When it comes to booking family vacations with points and miles, Hyatt has long been one of my favorite hotel brands. From spacious rooms and family-friendly amenities to some incredible redemption opportunities, World of Hyatt has helped make memorable family trips possible without paying those sometimes eye-watering hotel prices.

And while Hyatt has made some significant changes to its loyalty program in 2026, I still think it deserves a place in your family’s points and miles strategy.

The biggest changes: Hyatt has updated its award pricing, Chase has reduced the Hyatt transfer rate for certain credit cards, and families can now combine Hyatt points between accounts online for free. That last change is especially exciting if you and your spouse or other family members earn points separately!

The key is knowing how to make the most of your points under the new rules.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through why Hyatt remains one of my favorite hotel loyalty programs for families, how to earn and combine points, and what you need to know before booking your next stay.

World of Hyatt Program: A Game-Changer for Rewards Travel

World of Hyatt is one of my favorite hotel loyalty programs because it offers opportunities to get incredible value from points, whether you’re booking a quick family weekend getaway or a bucket-list vacation.

Unlike hotel programs that use fully dynamic award pricing, Hyatt still publishes an award chart, making it easier to plan how many points you’ll need for a stay. And with options ranging from budget-friendly Hyatt Place hotels to luxury resorts and all-inclusive properties, there’s something for just about every type of family trip.

Low Points Redemptions: Stretch Your Travel Budget

One of the biggest reasons I love World of Hyatt is the opportunity to book incredible hotels for significantly fewer points than you might expect.

Hyatt uses an award chart with eight hotel categories, with standard room redemptions starting at just 3,000 points per night at Category 1 properties. That means you could potentially book a five-night family getaway for as little as 15,000 Hyatt points.

In May 2026, Hyatt updated its award chart to include five pricing levels: Lowest, Low, Moderate, Upper, and Top. Depending on the hotel and your travel dates, standard rooms now range from 3,000 to 75,000 points per night.

While some properties require more points than they used to, there are still opportunities to get excellent value, particularly at lower-category hotels.

Some of My Favorite Hyatt Brands for Families

• Hyatt Place: Spacious rooms, often with sofa beds, and complimentary breakfast at many locations.
• Hyatt House: Extended-stay properties with residential-style accommodations, often including kitchens and separate living areas.
• Hyatt Regency: Full-service hotels and resorts with amenities like pools, restaurants, and family-friendly activities.
• Hyatt Ziva: All-inclusive resorts where accommodations, meals, drinks, and many activities are included.

Homes & Hideaways by World of Hyatt

One of Hyatt’s most exciting options for families isn’t a traditional hotel at all.

Homes & Hideaways by World of Hyatt lets you earn and redeem points for professionally managed vacation rentals, including condos, villas, and private homes.

For families who want separate bedrooms, kitchens, and more space to spread out, this can be a fantastic alternative to booking multiple hotel rooms.

I’ve personally used Homes & Hideaways to book a stay at Wailea Ekahi in Maui, and I love that Hyatt gives families another way to use their points for accommodations that better fit their needs.

Unlike traditional Hyatt hotels, Homes & Hideaways properties don’t follow the Category 1–8 award chart. Points pricing varies by property and dates, so it’s important to compare the redemption cost with the cash price before booking.

My tip: Whether you’re booking a hotel room or a vacation rental, always compare the cash price with the points required. Sometimes paying cash and saving your points for a more expensive stay makes more sense.

Transfer Points Easily with Chase Ultimate Rewards®

• You can transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards® directly to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio.
• Popular Chase cards like the Sapphire Preferred® and Sapphire Reserve® make it easy to earn Ultimate Rewards points, which can then be transferred to Hyatt for hotel stays, room upgrades, and more.

One of the easiest ways to earn World of Hyatt points is by transferring points from eligible Chase Ultimate Rewards credit cards. However, as of October 1, 2026, not all Chase cards offer the same transfer ratio.

Here’s how the Hyatt transfer ratios work:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Sapphire Reserve for Business℠: Transfer at a 1:1 ratio, meaning 10,000 Chase points become 10,000 Hyatt points.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Ink Business Preferred®: Transfer at a 4:3 ratio, meaning 10,000 Chase points become 7,500 Hyatt points.

While the reduced transfer rate makes Hyatt redemptions less valuable for some Chase cardholders, there are still opportunities to get excellent value, especially when hotel cash rates are high.

Always check award availability and compare the cash price before transferring Chase points to Hyatt. Transfers are generally final, so you want to make sure you’re getting good value before moving your points.

Combine Hyatt Points with Family and Friends

One of the most exciting World of Hyatt updates for families in 2026 is how much easier it is to combine points.

Previously, transferring Hyatt points between members required submitting a form and waiting for the transfer to be processed. Now, World of Hyatt members can transfer points to one another online for free.

This is especially helpful for couples and families who earn Hyatt points separately but want to combine their balances to book a vacation.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Free transfers: There’s no fee to move Hyatt points between eligible accounts.
• No household requirement: You can share points with family members or friends, even if you don’t live at the same address.
• Account requirements: Both accounts must have been open for at least 60 days.
• Transfer limits: Members can send and receive points up to six times each per calendar year, with monthly limits also applying.

For example, if you have 20,000 Hyatt points and your spouse has 15,000, you can combine them into one account to book a 35,000-point hotel stay.

Before transferring points, find the hotel you want and confirm award availability. Combining points can make booking easier, but it doesn’t guarantee that an award room will be available for your dates.

You can manage points transfers through your World of Hyatt account.

Hyatt Co-Branded Credit Cards

Another way to earn World of Hyatt points is through Hyatt’s two co-branded credit cards issued by Chase: the World of Hyatt Credit Card and the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card.

Both cards allow you to earn Hyatt points directly on eligible purchases and offer additional benefits that can make family travel more rewarding, including opportunities to earn bonus points and work toward elite status. The personal card also offers opportunities to earn free night awards.

If Hyatt is a hotel brand you frequently stay with, these cards may be worth considering. Check the links above for current welcome offers, benefits, and terms.

Hyatt’s Family-Friendly Accommodations: More Room to Relax

When you’re traveling as a family, having enough space to spread out can make a huge difference, especially after a long day of exploring.

One of the reasons I love Hyatt is the variety of accommodations available, from Hyatt Place hotels with sofa beds to Hyatt House properties with kitchens and separate living spaces. Depending on the property, you can also find larger suites and connecting rooms that make traveling with kids or extended family much easier.

Family Rooms and Connecting Rooms

Some Hyatt properties offer connecting rooms, family suites, and special rates when booking a second room for children. Availability, age requirements, and discounts vary by hotel, so it’s worth asking about your options before booking.

If you need connecting rooms or have a larger family, I recommend contacting the hotel directly to confirm the available room configurations and occupancy limits. Don’t assume that booking two rooms automatically guarantees they’ll connect!

Finding the Right Hyatt for Your Family

Beyond the room itself, I always recommend looking at the amenities that will make your stay more comfortable. Complimentary breakfast, a pool, a convenient location, and access to laundry facilities can make a big difference when traveling with kids.

And remember, the hotel that requires the fewest points isn’t necessarily the best value if it doesn’t comfortably accommodate your family.

The Benefits of Status with Hyatt

Another reason I love World of Hyatt is the opportunity to earn extra perks through its loyalty program. Even if you only stay at Hyatt hotels a few times a year, some of these benefits can make family travel more comfortable.

World of Hyatt is free to join and offers three elite status tiers: Discoverist, Explorist, and Globalist.

Member

Anyone can join World of Hyatt for free! Members can earn points on eligible stays, access member rates, and redeem points for hotel nights.

Discoverist

Earned after 10 qualifying nights in a calendar year or automatically with the World of Hyatt personal credit card.

Discoverist benefits include preferred rooms when available, bonus points on eligible stays, complimentary bottled water, and late checkout when available.

This is our current Hyatt status, and I appreciate that even entry-level elite status can add a few conveniences to a family trip.

Explorist

Earned after 30 qualifying nights in a calendar year.

Explorist members receive additional bonus points and access to room upgrades when available, including preferred rooms within the same category. While the benefits aren’t as extensive as Globalist, they can make frequent Hyatt stays more rewarding.

Globalist

Earned after 60 qualifying nights in a calendar year, Globalist is Hyatt’s highest published elite tier and offers some fantastic benefits for families.

These include complimentary breakfast for eligible guests, room upgrades that may include standard suites, waived resort fees on eligible stays, and late checkout at participating properties.

Globalist members can also share certain benefits with friends or family through Hyatt’s Guest of Honor program, allowing others to enjoy Globalist perks on eligible stays.

Of course, earning Globalist status isn’t realistic for every family, especially when you’re planning trips around school calendars and limited vacation time. And that’s okay! You can still get tremendous value from Hyatt points without chasing elite status.

Earning Hyatt Status Beyond Hotel Stays

Hyatt’s co-branded credit cards can help you earn elite status without relying entirely on hotel stays.

• World of Hyatt Credit Card: Includes automatic Discoverist status and opportunities to earn elite qualifying night credits through spending.
• World of Hyatt Business Credit Card: Offers Discoverist status and opportunities to earn elite qualifying night credits through eligible business spending.

Hyatt occasionally offers promotions that can help members earn additional qualifying nights or accelerate their path to elite status, so it’s worth keeping an eye on your World of Hyatt account.

My tip: Don’t feel like you need top-tier hotel status to enjoy the benefits of points and miles. For most families, finding a hotel that fits your needs and booking it at a great value is far more important than chasing elite perks.

Why Hyatt Is Still One of My Favorite Hotel Brands for Families

Hyatt continues to be one of my favorite ways to make family travel more rewarding. From spacious accommodations and vacation rentals to opportunities to book incredible hotels with points, World of Hyatt offers families plenty of ways to stretch their travel budgets without sacrificing comfort or memorable experiences.

And while the program has changed, knowing how to earn, combine, and redeem your points strategically can still open the door to some amazing family vacations. You don’t need to be a points and miles expert to start making this work for your family.

✨ Want help figuring out how to turn your everyday spending into your next family vacation?

My Family Travel Rewards Coach takes the guesswork out of points and miles with personalized guidance based on your travel goals, credit cards, and family travel needs. Whether you’re just getting started or trying to make the most of points you’ve already earned, it’s designed to help you build a strategy that actually works for you.

Ready to make your next family vacation happen? Explore Family Travel Rewards Coach app.

And if you have questions, you can always connect with me on Instagram. I love helping families discover just how much more travel is possible with points and miles!

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  Advice | Europe | Family | Featured | How to | Hyatt | North America | Rewards Travel | United States | USA

  Why Hyatt Hotels Is the Best Brand for Family Rewards Travel

  ByMari October 21, 2026October 21, 2026

  When it comes to finding the perfect hotel for our family vacation, Hyatt consistently stands out. With an amazing rewards program, family-friendly accommodations, and unbeatable perks, Hyatt hotels makes it easier to travel with our family for way fewer points than other hotel brands (sorry, Marriott and Hilton!). When it comes to rewards travel, brand loyalty always pays off. Here’s why Hyatt has consistently been the best hotel brand choice for our family, for redeeming points at the best value, earn rewards, and stretching our travel budget.

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  Family | Featured | North America | Rewards Travel | Southwest | United States

  Southwest Companion Pass Guide (2027): New Rules & Strategies

  ByMari October 21, 2026October 21, 2026

  The Southwest Companion Pass has long been one of my favorite ways to save money on family travel. With this popular benefit, you can bring a designated companion on your Southwest flights for just the taxes and fees, starting at $5.60 each way on domestic flights. For families, that can add up to some serious savings!

  BIG UPDATE FOR 2027: Southwest just announced major changes to how travelers earn the Companion Pass, including eliminating credit card welcome offers as a way to qualify under the new rules. But there’s still a limited opportunity to use the current strategy before the changes take effect!

  Fun fact: we used our Southwest Companion passes to get us to and from Hawaii, along with plenty of other destinations. In this updated guide, I’ll walk you through what’s changing, how to earn the pass under the current and new rules, and whether it’s still worth pursuing for your family.

The post Why Hyatt Hotels Is the Best Brand for Family Rewards Travel appeared first on Mari on the Map.

The Southwest Companion Pass has long been one of my favorite ways to save money on family travel. With this popular benefit, you can bring a designated companion on your Southwest flights for just the taxes and fees, starting at $5.60 each way on domestic flights. For families, that can add up to some serious savings!

BIG UPDATE FOR 2027: Southwest just announced major changes to how travelers earn the Companion Pass, including eliminating credit card welcome offers as a way to qualify under the new rules. But there’s still a limited opportunity to use the current strategy before the changes take effect!

Fun fact: we used our Southwest Companion passes to get us to and from Hawaii, along with plenty of other destinations. In this updated guide, I’ll walk you through what’s changing, how to earn the pass under the current and new rules, and whether it’s still worth pursuing for your family.

What is the Southwest Companion Pass?

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of my favorite travel perks for families because it lets you bring a designated companion on your Southwest flights for just the taxes and fees, starting at $5.60 each way on domestic flights!

Here’s what makes it even better: You can use your Companion Pass whether you book your own flight with cash OR points! That means you can use Rapid Rewards points for your ticket and bring your companion along without using additional points for their airfare.

You can also change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year, giving you some flexibility in who gets to travel with you.

For years, the Companion Pass has offered unlimited companion trips during its validity period. Starting in 2027, Southwest is introducing a new option for three companion trips alongside the unlimited benefit. I’ll break down how to qualify for both below.

Keep in mind that I only recommend trying to earn the Southwest Companion Pass if your home airport has multiple Southwest flight options to places you want to travel to. Make sure to check the Southwest route map to confirm the Companion Pass will support your upcoming travel plans before trying to earn it.

How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass

Southwest is making some BIG changes to how travelers earn the Companion Pass beginning January 1, 2027. Here’s what you need to know about qualifying under the current rules and what’s coming next.

How to Earn the Companion Pass in 2026

Under the current 2026 rules, you need to earn 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points OR fly 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year. In 2026, you can still earn qualifying points through eligible Southwest credit card welcome offers, everyday spending, and other qualifying activities.

One of my favorite strategies has been combining welcome offers from a Southwest business credit card and a personal credit card to earn enough points for the pass without flying 100 times. Here’s where credit cards come into play: applying for two Southwest cards can help you hit that 135,000-point threshold. For example, by opening the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, you can earn points through the welcome bonuses, everyday spending, and even referrals.

It’s crucial to understand Chase’s unofficial 5/24 rule, which limits approvals for most Chase cards if you have opened five or more new credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months. You also can’t have received a bonus on a Southwest personal card within the last 24 months. Luckily, Chase business cards typically don’t count toward your 5/24 total, making a personal + business card approach a good option for those managing their card applications.

IMPORTANT: December 2, 2026 Deadline

Southwest has confirmed that travelers approved for an eligible co-branded Southwest credit card by December 2, 2026, can still have their welcome offer points count toward Companion Pass qualification, even if they complete the minimum spending requirement in early 2027.

Under this transition opportunity, the Companion Pass will be valid through December 31, 2027.

How to Earn the Companion Pass Starting in 2027

Beginning January 1, 2027, Southwest is introducing two ways to earn Companion Pass benefits through its new qualification system:

• 95,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) or 75 qualifying one-way flights: Earn three Companion Pass trips.
• 140,000 TQPs or 100 qualifying one-way flights: Earn unlimited Companion Pass trips through Platinum status.

You earn TQPs through eligible Southwest flights, Southwest credit card spending, qualifying vacation packages, and certain other activities.

Here’s the biggest change: Credit card welcome offers, referral bonuses, anniversary points, and bonus category points will no longer count toward Companion Pass qualification. Instead, Southwest credit cards will earn 1 TQP for every $1 in eligible purchases. That means if you’re relying entirely on credit card spending, you’d need to spend $95,000 to earn just three companion trips (yikes)! 

For most families, that’s a LOT of spending to commit to one airline’s rewards program, especially when flexible points can give you more options.

Southwest will also continue offering limited-time Companion Pass promotions, which may provide another opportunity to earn companion travel benefits without meeting the standard qualification thresholds.

Examples of past promotional Companion Passes have included a 3-month promotional Companion Pass earned by flying two segments (either one round trip to two one-ways) within a certain time frame, and a 1- calendar-year promotional Companion pass, earned by meeting a minimum spend requirement on a specific co-branded Southwest credit card. Be sure to sign up for Southwest’s emails to be notified of these.  

Timing Your Points

Timing has always been one of the most important parts of earning the Southwest Companion Pass. Traditionally, earning it early in the calendar year meant enjoying nearly two full years of companion travel. I earned my first Companion Pass in February, giving me 11 months of benefits that year PLUS the entire following year!

But the strategy is changing for 2027.

Under Southwest’s transition rules, eligible credit card welcome offers from cards approved by December 2, 2026, can still count toward earning a Companion Pass, even if you complete the spending requirement in early 2027.

This opportunity only provides Companion Pass benefits through December 31, 2027. You can no longer use the old welcome offer strategy to earn a pass lasting through 2028.

If you’re planning to take advantage of this opportunity, pay close attention to your card approval date, minimum spending requirements, and when your points will post. Timing still matters, but the rules are different!

Card Strategies for Earning the Companion Pass

Card Strategies for Earning the Companion PassOne of the easiest ways I’ve earned the Southwest Companion Pass has been by combining welcome offers from a Southwest business credit card and a personal credit card. Instead of flying 100 times or spending thousands of dollars on flights, you can earn a substantial number of qualifying points through credit card welcome offers and everyday purchases.

But if you’ve been thinking about using this strategy, time is running out!

Southwest has announced that credit card welcome offers will no longer count toward Companion Pass qualification under its new 2027 rules. However, there’s one final opportunity to take advantage of the current strategy.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Apply for eligible Southwest credit cards by December 2, 2026. You must be approved by this date to qualify for the transition exception.
• Consider combining a business and personal card. Depending on the available welcome offers, you may be able to earn enough points to reach the 135,000-point requirement.
• Meet the minimum spending requirements. Southwest has confirmed that eligible welcome offer points can still count even if you complete the spending requirement in early 2027.
• Pay attention to eligibility rules. Chase has restrictions on earning welcome offers, so make sure you’re eligible before applying.

If you qualify through this transition opportunity, your Companion Pass will be valid through December 31, 2027.

My advice: Only pursue this strategy if the cards, spending requirements, and Southwest’s route network make sense for your family. Never spend more than you normally would just to earn a credit card welcome offer!

After this opportunity ends, I’ll be focusing even more on flexible points that can be transferred to multiple airline and hotel partners. Having options is one of the best ways to make your family’s travel rewards work harder!

Important note: Anyone with a US social security number can be eligible for business cards even if you don’t own an official business with an EIN. If you have a legitimate side hustle, freelance work, or other for-profit activity, you can apply as a sole proprietor.

My Personal Southwest Companion Pass Strategy

The Southwest Companion Pass has been one of my favorite travel rewards for years. My Player 2 and I have each earned a Companion Pass by strategically combining Southwest business and personal credit card welcome offers, allowing us to bring both of our boys along on flights for just the taxes and fees.

One of our favorite redemptions was flying our family of four to Hawaii using Southwest points and our two Companion Passes. We’ve saved thousands of dollars on family flights over the years, and it’s a perfect example of how powerful points and miles can be when you have a plan.

But with Southwest’s new qualification rules taking effect in 2027, my strategy is changing, too.

Rather than directing significant everyday spending toward earning Southwest status, I’ll be prioritizing flexible points that can be transferred to multiple airline and hotel partners. That gives our family more options when booking flights, especially when Southwest isn’t the best fit for our destination or schedule.

I still love the value we’ve gotten from our Companion Passes, and I’ll absolutely keep an eye out for future promotions. But for families starting from scratch under the new rules, I think flexibility is going to be more valuable than ever!

The Southwest Credit Cards We Used to Earn Our Companion Passes

We used a combination of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card to earn our Companion Passes.

The strategy was simple: Combine the welcome offers from an eligible Southwest business card and personal card, then use qualifying everyday spending to reach the 135,000-point requirement.

Both cards also offer Southwest travel benefits, but the biggest value for our family came from the welcome offers and the Companion Passes they helped us earn.

Is this strategy still worth considering? If you can qualify under Southwest’s December 2, 2026 transition rules, potentially. But starting in 2027, welcome offers generally won’t count toward Companion Pass qualification, making these cards less compelling as a long-term strategy for earning the pass.

As always, compare the annual fees, current welcome offers, and benefits before applying. A card with an annual fee can absolutely be worthwhile when the benefits you actually use outweigh the cost!

Southwest Card Eligibility

Before applying for a Southwest credit card, make sure you’re eligible for the welcome offer! Chase has several rules that can affect your approval and bonus eligibility.

• Chase 5/24 Rule: Generally, if you’ve opened five or more personal credit cards across banks in the past 24 months, Chase won’t approve you for a new card.
• Personal Card Restrictions: You generally can’t receive a new Southwest personal card welcome offer if you currently hold another Southwest personal card or received a Southwest personal card welcome bonus within the past 24 months.
• Business Card Eligibility: Southwest business cards have separate welcome offer restrictions, so you may still qualify for a business card even if you’ve previously earned a personal card bonus.

Remember, you don’t need a large business to qualify for a business credit card! Freelancers, content creators, and people with side businesses may qualify, too.

Always review the current application terms before applying, especially with the December 2, 2026 deadline approaching.

Is the Southwest Companion Pass Still Worth It for Families?

Absolutely! The Southwest Companion Pass can still be an incredible way to save on family travel. But with the new rules taking effect in 2027, how you earn it matters more than ever.

Under the new qualification system, you’d need to put $95,000 in eligible spending on a Southwest credit card just to earn three companion trips. That’s a LOT of spending for a benefit tied to one airline.

My advice: Focus on flexibility.

Rather than putting all your everyday spending toward earning Southwest status, consider credit cards that earn flexible points, like Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, or Capital One miles. These rewards give you access to multiple airline and hotel partners, allowing you to choose the flights and accommodations that work best for your family.

If Southwest happens to have the best flights for your trip, you can still transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest Rapid Rewards with eligible Chase cards.

Continue watching for limited-time Companion Pass promotions, which could offer families a way to enjoy this valuable benefit without meeting the standard qualification requirements.

The goal isn’t to collect the most points or earn every travel perk. It’s to make your points work harder so you can make more memories with the people you love!

Final Thoughts

The Southwest Companion Pass has helped our family make some incredible travel memories, and I’ll always appreciate the value we’ve gotten from it! While the new rules make it harder for many families to earn, there are still plenty of ways to make travel more rewarding.

Whether you’re taking advantage of the current Companion Pass opportunity, watching for future promotions, or building a stash of flexible points, the best strategy is the one that works for your family’s travel goals.

Remember, points and miles are simply tools to help you travel more while spending less. And with the right strategy, those once-in-a-lifetime family trips don’t have to happen just once!

If you have any questions or need further advice feel free to email me or send me a message on Instagram. I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help you. And if you’re ready to finally learn points and miles yourself, get your family’s personalized plan in my Family Travel Rewards Coach app.

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  Advice | Europe | Family | Featured | How to | Hyatt | North America | Rewards Travel | United States | USA

  Why Hyatt Hotels Is the Best Brand for Family Rewards Travel

  ByMari October 21, 2026October 21, 2026

  When it comes to finding the perfect hotel for our family vacation, Hyatt consistently stands out. With an amazing rewards program, family-friendly accommodations, and unbeatable perks, Hyatt hotels makes it easier to travel with our family for way fewer points than other hotel brands (sorry, Marriott and Hilton!). When it comes to rewards travel, brand loyalty always pays off. Here’s why Hyatt has consistently been the best hotel brand choice for our family, for redeeming points at the best value, earn rewards, and stretching our travel budget.

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  Family | Featured | North America | Rewards Travel | Southwest | United States

  Southwest Companion Pass Guide (2027): New Rules & Strategies

  ByMari October 21, 2026October 21, 2026

  The Southwest Companion Pass has long been one of my favorite ways to save money on family travel. With this popular benefit, you can bring a designated companion on your Southwest flights for just the taxes and fees, starting at $5.60 each way on domestic flights. For families, that can add up to some serious savings!

  BIG UPDATE FOR 2027: Southwest just announced major changes to how travelers earn the Companion Pass, including eliminating credit card welcome offers as a way to qualify under the new rules. But there’s still a limited opportunity to use the current strategy before the changes take effect!

  Fun fact: we used our Southwest Companion passes to get us to and from Hawaii, along with plenty of other destinations. In this updated guide, I’ll walk you through what’s changing, how to earn the pass under the current and new rules, and whether it’s still worth pursuing for your family.

The post Southwest Companion Pass Guide (2027): New Rules & Strategies appeared first on Mari on the Map.

Let me set the scene for you. Eleven people. One trip to Europe. And for seven of them, it was their very first time ever using points and miles to travel.

When my family decided to do a big multigenerational trip to Europe, the task was clear: if we couldn’t make this affordable using points and miles, some of us weren’t going to be able to go. My family has been on points and miles family travel for years, but my parents and my sister’s family of five were starting from scratch. Here I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes of how we pulled it off, what we got right, and what I would tell any family that wants to take a first or big trip on points and miles.

Points and miles are possible to learn, even for total beginners, with the right strategy. You do not need to be a frequent flyer or have a huge income to make it work. If your family also wants to travel to Europe on points and miles, I’m here to help. My new Family Travel Rewards Coach app offers personalized plans in less than 15 minutes a day to help you achieve your travel goals. Learn more here, and read on for our own (realistic) success story.

Start by Taking Inventory of What Everyone Already Has

The very first thing I did was ask a lot of questions. Before you can build a points and miles strategy for a group, you have to know what you are working with. For every family traveling, I asked the same things:

• What credit cards do you already have?
• Do you have any points sitting on them right now?
• What is your credit score?
• When did you last open a new card?
• Roughly how much do you spend on a credit card?
• Does anyone own a business or have a side hustle?

That last question matters more than people think, because business cards can seriously accelerate your points earning, and you do not need a big company to qualify. A side hustle, a rental, or freelance work can count. Learn more about qualifying for business cards here.

The answers led us to our starting point. My sister’s family had a small stash, under 50,000 points in total, on one Capital One Venture card and an American Express business card. My parents, on the other hand, were sitting on close to 300,000 points on a Bank of America travel card that they didn’t really know how to use. Taking inventory is what let me build a different plan for each household instead of a one-size-fits-all guess.

Build a Card Strategy for Each Family

Here is the key mindset shift for points and miles for beginners: there is no one size fits all strategy. While there are some cards that are generally valuable for most people, a good strategy is personalized. Someone with excellent credit who has not opened a card in three years is in a great spot for a big welcome bonus. Someone who just opened two cards last month probably needs to wait. And, of course, you want to consider if you’re just building a flexible points stash, or if you’re working towards a trip goal.

Since we knew where we were going and we had only about six months to earn the points we needed for our flights, we had to choose an airline that would offer lower points redemptions. That led us to Virgin Atlantic, which offers saver fares in economy starting at 6,000 points per ticket one way from the East Coast, and 29,000 in business class.

Every major bank transfers to Virgin Atlantic, and they offer family/household points pooling, making it the best choice for us. Keep in mind that Virgin Atlantic does have higher taxes and fees on award flights, so you may want to consider another airline for your own Europe on points and miles trip. However, this was by far the best option for us with little time to earn.

My parents wanted to fly business class, and needed to earn a large welcome offer quickly. So I started them with an American Express Platinum. I would normally never recommend this as a starter card to someone new to this hobby because American Express hierarchy rules make it more strategic to start with the American Express Green, then move to the Gold, then move to the Platinum. However, my parents aren’t planning on staying in this hobby, so the focus was just getting them the most points in the shortest time.

My sister started with one of my favorite beginner cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred, because her family spends a lot on online groceries from Instacart and takeout. Her family also plans to be in this hobby for longer, so I wanted to ensure she had a keeper card.

A few ground rules I always recommend:

• Only put normal spending on the card. Never buy things you would not otherwise buy just to hit a bonus.
• Pay it off in full every month. If you carry a balance, the interest wipes out the value of the points. This only works if you treat the card like a debit card.
• Be patient. The welcome bonus is where the real value is, so do not rush to the next card before you have earned the one in front of you.

How We Booked the Flights to Europe on Points and Miles

Our trip included a land tour in southern Italy, since my dad wanted to see where his family came from. Next, we left Italy for a Mediterranean cruise.

Check every airport near you, not just your home one

We are in the Philadelphia area, but I did not limit myself to PHL. I looked at flights out of Philadelphia, Newark, JFK, DC, and Baltimore, because award availability and pricing can be wildly different from one airport to the next. A short drive or a cheap positioning flight to a different airport can save you a mountain of miles. To map out which airlines even fly the route, I used a free tool called FlightConnections.

Compare the options before you transfer anything

When I priced out economy round trip per person, the difference between programs was huge:

• American: around 87,500 miles, Philadelphia to Naples
• United: around 77,000 miles, Newark to Naples
• Virgin Atlantic: around 24,000 miles, JFK to London, then onward to Naples

Read that last one again. Virgin Atlantic was a fraction of the others. That is the whole game right there. Same ocean, same destination, wildly different price depending on which airline’s miles you use and how you route it. This is why I never just book with the first airline that comes to mind.

We put it to a vote in our group, and Virgin Atlantic won by a landslide. The other reason it was such a smart pick: American Express, Chase, Capital One, Citi, and Bilt all transfer to Virgin Atlantic. That meant almost everyone in our group could get there from whatever flexible points they were earning, instead of being locked into one airline’s currency.

Use free tools to check award availability

Award seats are limited, especially when you need a lot of them at once. Since our flights were almost a year out and not even released yet, I used June of the previous year as a stand-in to get a feel for how many points we would likely need and how available the seats tend to be.

There are paid tools for this, but there are good free ones too, so you do not have to spend money to start searching. Always confirm what you see directly on the airline’s website before you transfer any points, because once you transfer, you usually cannot transfer back. For this trip, I used point.me/amex, which is always free for American Express cardholders, and seats.aero, which has free and paid versions. If you want to use the Pro version of seats.aero, but don’t want to pay for a whole year, just sign up for a month when you’re looking and cancel.

Book one way for flexibility

We always book our flights one way rather than round trip. It gives us maximum flexibility, and it buys some of our family members more time to keep earning points for their return leg. Award pricing is usually the same whether you book one way or round trip, so you rarely lose anything by splitting it up, and you gain a lot of options.

Get Creative: Transfer Partners and Repositioning

Transfer partners are your superpower. Flexible points from banks like Amex, Chase, Capital One, Citi, and Bilt can move to many different airlines. That means you are not stuck. If one airline wants a fortune in miles, you check that bank’s other partners and find the one that prices the same flight far cheaper. That is exactly how we landed on Virgin Atlantic.

I offer free transfer guides for my e-newsletter subscribers. Sign up here, then drop me a line for links.

Repositioning opens up cheaper awards. Sometimes the best deal is not from your home airport at all. Flying yourself to a different city first, called a positioning flight, can unlock much better award space. It sounds advanced, but it is really just being willing to look one step beyond the obvious route.

Booking Our Lodging

Hotels and lodging are another area where you can easily use points and miles. Hyatt in particular is a sweet spot for families and offers locations across Europe, in addition to other well-known chains like Marriott and Hilton. Choice Hotels also has a sizable footprint in Europe.

However, we were doing some unconventional lodging since we were going to be in a very rural area in Italy, and then we immediately got onto a cruise. For Italy, we stayed at Country House Nonna Pina, an agriturismo run by a family that also offers meals with local ingredients made by the owner. We really enjoyed our stay here, and we were able to “erase” the cost using Capital One Miles.

Booking the Cruise

After the land tour, we boarded a ship for a Mediterranean cruise from Italy to Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece, which was another place that the ability to “erase” travel purchases was essential. Certain cards, like the Capital One Venture, let you redeem points for a statement credit, as well as the Bank of America Travel Rewards card my parents already had, and some Air Canada Aeroplan cards.

For a cruise, the best strategy is to only pay the minimum deposit at booking, continue earning points before the final deposit is due, and erase a large portion of it after the final payment hits your statement.

Final Thoughts

Coordinating points and miles travel for eleven people across three households was, I’ll be honest, a lot. But experiencing this trip together as a family made it all worth it. Rewards travel really is for anyone who is willing to learn.

As always, if you have questions or want help figuring out where to start, send me a message on Instagram. I’m also a certified travel advisor, planner, and strategist, and I’d love to take trip planning and booking off of your plate. Fill out my trip planning form and tell me a little about the trip you have in mind, and I’ll be in touch about next steps. Happy travels!

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  Advice | Europe | Family | Featured | How to | Hyatt | North America | Rewards Travel | United States | USA

  Why Hyatt Hotels Is the Best Brand for Family Rewards Travel

  ByMari October 21, 2026October 21, 2026

  When it comes to finding the perfect hotel for our family vacation, Hyatt consistently stands out. With an amazing rewards program, family-friendly accommodations, and unbeatable perks, Hyatt hotels makes it easier to travel with our family for way fewer points than other hotel brands (sorry, Marriott and Hilton!). When it comes to rewards travel, brand loyalty always pays off. Here’s why Hyatt has consistently been the best hotel brand choice for our family, for redeeming points at the best value, earn rewards, and stretching our travel budget.

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  Abroad | Advice | Capital One | Chase | Europe | Family | Featured | How to | Italy | Rewards Travel

  How We Booked Europe on Points and Miles for a Family of 11

  ByMari October 19, 2026October 19, 2026

  How we booked Europe on points and miles for a family of 11: our card strategy, Virgin Atlantic award flights, and how we erased our lodging and cruise.

The post How We Booked Europe on Points and Miles for a Family of 11 appeared first on Mari on the Map.

_{This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers.}

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the perfect starter card for families looking to dive into the world of rewards travel. It offers easy-to-use benefits, flexible points, and exceptional transfer partners that make it ideal for family vacations. It was the first card that my husband and I both opened when we started out as rewards travelers, and we both still hold it in our wallets today! Here’s why it’s the card you need in your wallet.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Overview

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is currently offering a rare 100,000-point welcome bonus after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months. With a reasonable $95 annual fee, it packs in powerful perks that make it one of the most beginner-friendly cards for earning travel rewards.

To earn the 100,000-point sign-up bonus on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you need to spend $5,000 on the card within the first 3 months of opening the account. Once you reach this spending threshold, the points will be credited to your account. At our house, we strategically move our regular household spending to meet minimum spend requirements without overspending. I never recommend spending money you don’t already plan to spend just to earn a bonus, as this could lead to unnecessary debt.

This 100,000-point offer is a limited-time deal and the highest we have seen on this card. The standard bonus has more often been in the 60,000 to 75,000 range, so if this offer appeals to you, it is worth applying sooner rather than later. You can always call or stop in to a branch to find out what the current offers are, which can some times differ depending on your relationship with the bank.

Benefits Tailored to Families

The card offers a $100 hotel credit when you book through the Chase Travel℠ portal, which is doubled from the old $50 credit and now more than covers the $95 annual fee. Plus, you’ll earn:

• 5X points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠ (perfect for family flights and accommodations),
• 3X on dining (ideal for those family restaurant outings or even ordering takeout),
• 3X on select streaming services,
• 3X on online grocery purchases (excludes Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs),
• 3X on gas and EV charging (new),
• 3X on vacation home rentals booked through Airbnb, Vrbo, and other top brands (new),
• 2X on other travel (like rideshares or car rentals),
• 1X on all other purchases

When you book travel through Chase, you can get extra value from your points through a program called Points Boost. Select flights and hotels are marked with a Points Boost label, and on the Sapphire Preferred those bookings can be worth up to 1.5 cents per point, so 10,000 points could stretch to $150. Bookings without the label are worth 1 cent per point, and the boosted rate varies depending on what you are booking, so it is always worth checking the label before you redeem.

Chase also added a few more perks this year. You can now get up to $120 back every four years to cover the application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS, which is a benefit usually found on pricier cards. There is also a complimentary one-year Apple TV subscription if you activate it by December 31, 2026.

What Does X Points Mean?

The “X” refers to how many points you earn per dollar spent in a specific category.

• 5X points: Earn 5 points for every $1 you spend.
• 3X points: Earn 3 points for every $1 you spend.
• 2X points: Earn 2 points for every $1 you spend.
• 1X points: Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend.

Examples in Action

Here’s how many points you’d earn on $100 spent in different categories:

• Dining (3X points): Spend $100 at a restaurant, and you’ll earn 300 points.
  • Calculation: $100 x 3 = 300 points.
• Travel booked through Chase Travel (5X points): Spend $100 on a flight, and you’ll earn 500 points.
  • Calculation: $100 x 5 = 500 points.
• Gas and EV charging (3X points): Spend $100 filling up, and you’ll earn 300 points.
  • Calculation: $100 x 3 = 300 points.
• Other travel, like car rentals or rideshares (2X points): Spend $100 on a rental car, and you’ll earn 200 points.
  • Calculation: $100 x 2 = 200 points.
• All other purchases (1X point): Spend $100 at the pharmacy, and you’ll earn 100 points.
  • Calculation: $100 x 1 = 100 points.

Point-to-Dollar Ratio

When redeeming your points, the value depends on how you use them:

• Standard Redemption: Points are typically worth 1 cent per point when redeemed for cash back, gift cards, or basic travel.
  • Example: 10,000 points = $100.
• Travel Through Chase Portal (Points Boost): Chase now marks select flights and hotels with a Points Boost label. On the Sapphire Preferred, those bookings can be worth up to 1.5 cents per point. Anything without the label is worth 1 cent per point, and the boosted rate varies by booking.
  • Example: 10,000 points = $100 to $150, depending on the booking.
• Transferring to Travel Partners: The value can vary but often exceeds 2 cents per point, depending on how strategically you book.
  • Example: 10,000 points could be worth $200 or more for plane tickets or hotels.

This flexibility makes earning and redeeming points a powerful way to maximize every dollar you spend!

What Are Chase Ultimate Rewards Points?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card earns you what’s called Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are some of the most versatile travel and cashback rewards you can earn. Here’s why they’re valuable:

• Flexible Redemption Options:
  • Redeem points for travel, statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise.
• Travel Portal Bonuses:
  • Get extra value on select flights and hotels through Points Boost when booking with a Sapphire card. The exact rate varies by booking and by which Sapphire card you hold.
• Transfer to Travel Partners:
  • Convert points 1:1 to top-tier travel partners like United, Southwest, and British Airways for incredible value. Hyatt is the one exception on this card, and I explain that change below.
• Cash Value:
  • Redeem points as cash at a standard rate of 1 cent per point.

Whether you want to book a dream vacation, cover everyday expenses, or save for the future, Chase Ultimate Rewards points give you the flexibility to achieve your goals.

Built-In Travel Protection

The Sapphire Preferred® also offers essential travel protections:

• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Protects your family in case your trip gets cut short.
• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Save money on car rentals, knowing you’re covered.
• Lost Luggage Insurance: If your luggage gets lost, you’ll have peace of mind knowing Chase has your back.
• Emergency Evacuation and Transportation Coverage (new): If someone on your trip is injured or gets sick more than 100 miles from home and needs emergency evacuation, you can be covered for eligible medical services and transportation up to $100,000.

At least part of your trip must be booked using the Chase Sapphire Preferred card or your Chase Ultimate Rewards point for the trip to qualify for travel insurance benefits with a Chase. Eligible travel purchases include airline tickets, hotels, car rentals, cruises, activities, and tours.

Does Chase Sapphire Preferred Have Foreign Transaction Fees?

There are no foreign transaction fees, making this a perfect option for families while traveling abroad.

Eligibility

This card and rewards travel in general is ideally suited for those with good to exceptional credit, who can pay their bills on time each month, and can avoid getting into debt/manage a budget.

To apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you cannot currently hold another Sapphire Preferred. Thanks to a recent change, though, you can now hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and still be eligible to earn the welcome bonus on the Preferred. Additionally, if you’ve earned a bonus on the Sapphire Preferred in the past 48 months, you won’t be eligible for another. However, if it’s been over 48 months, you can downgrade to a no-fee Chase card, like the Chase Freedom Flex® or Freedom Unlimited®, and reapply for the Sapphire Preferred® to earn the bonus again.

Why Chase Sapphire Preferred® Shines for Family Travel

One of the key selling points of this card is its transfer partners. Chase has 11 airline and 3 hotel partners, and most still transfer at a 1:1 rate in increments of 1,000. This means you can transfer your points to airlines like Southwest, United, and British Airways, or hotels like IHG and Marriott, ideal for family trips, whether you’re visiting Disneyland, Hawaii, or exploring international destinations. Hyatt is the one exception on this card, and I break that change down below. Here is the full list of all of Chase’s current transfer partners:

With Hyatt, you can book family-friendly hotels at excellent value since Hyatt’s point rates are generally lower than other hotel chains. Additionally, Chase has the advantage of offering domestic airline partners, like Southwest, which makes it easier for families to find flights that suit their schedules and budgets. This exact combination is how we traveled to Hawaii for almost two weeks for less than $100 total out of pocket for flights and hotels. We booked that trip when Sapphire Preferred points still transferred to Hyatt at 1:1, so the Hyatt half of that math would take more points today, but the strategy itself still works, and it works exactly as well as it always did if you hold the Sapphire Reserve.

How to Transfer Points to Travel Partners

Step 1

Log into your Chase account and click Ultimate Rewards® under Rewards on the right side.

Once in the Ultimate Rewards® section, select “Travel”, then “Transfer points to partners” on the navigation.

Step 2

Scroll down to the partners section, and choose the partner to which you want to transfer points. For this example, we’re choosing Hyatt.

Step 3

Enter the details associated with the membership of the partner you want to transfer to. Here, you will enter your World of Hyatt number. World of Hyatt is a free program to join, like frequent flyer numbers but for hotels.

Step 4

Enter how many points you want to transfer.

Pro tip: Always make sure you’ve found the flights or hotel rooms you want to book before transferring points—once they’re transferred, they’re locked into the partner’s program.

Step 5

Review your transfer details before your submit.

Once you submit, it can take anywhere from instant to 72 hours for your points to appear in the partner account. If your points don’t transfer instantly, call the partner to get an idea of approximately how long it will take, so you know when to come back and book your travel.

A Change to Know About: Hyatt Transfers and the Sapphire Reserve

Starting June 15, 2026, Chase changed the transfer ratio from the Sapphire Preferred to World of Hyatt. It used to be 1:1. It is now 4:3, which means 1,000 Chase points become 750 Hyatt points instead of 1,000.

Here is the timing. If you apply for the Preferred on or after June 15, 2026, the new 4:3 rate applies to you right away. If you already had the card before June 15, 2026, you keep the 1:1 rate until October 1, 2026. The same change is coming to the Ink Business Preferred®, but not until October 1, 2026, and that date applies to both existing and new cardmembers.

Why does this matter for our family? We use Hyatt a lot, and Hyatt is one of the best reasons to hold a Chase card in the first place. Here is the part worth understanding: the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the top card in the Sapphire family, is keeping its 1:1 transfer rate to Hyatt. So if you mostly use your Chase points to transfer to Hyatt, you will get more value holding the Reserve than the Preferred, because the Reserve still transfers at 1:1.

The Reserve has a much higher annual fee at $795, though it comes with a $300 annual travel credit that brings the real cost down, so it is not an automatic yes. As a rough rule of thumb, the Reserve starts to make more sense once you are transferring somewhere around 60,000 points or more to Hyatt each year. If you only transfer to Hyatt occasionally, or you do not transfer to Hyatt at all, the Preferred and its low $95 annual fee is very likely still the better fit. And the good news is you can now hold both cards, so the Reserve can be added later if your Hyatt habit grows.

One more thing to flag for honesty: Hyatt also recently made changes to its own award chart, so some Hyatt redemptions cost more points than they used to. That is separate from the Chase transfer change, but it is worth knowing when you are running the numbers.

Earning More Points and Combining

You can also combine points earned from other Chase cards to increase your rewards, if you hold certain Chase cards that allow for combining points.

Eligible Premium Cards for Combining Points

You need at least one of the following Chase cards to unlock the ability to combine and transfer points:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred®
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Ink Business Preferred®

These cards allow points to:

1. Be redeemed for extra value through Points Boost in the Chase Travel Portal.
2. Transfer to travel partners like United, Southwest, or British Airways for outsized value. (Hyatt transfers now vary by card, see the Hyatt section above.)

If you have a Chase Freedom Flex®, Freedom Unlimited®, or any other Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards®, you can still combine them with points earned on your Chase Sapphire Preferred card to use them for travel. I personally also hold the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, and I love that it offers 1.5% back on all purchases.

How to Combine Points

Step 1

Combine points from different cards by logging into your Chase account and click Ultimate Rewards® under Rewards on the right side. Once in the Ultimate Rewards® section, select “Rewards details”, then “Combine points” on the navigation.

Step 2

Then, select the card from which you want to move points, and the card to which you want to move points. The number of points and names of the cards have been erased in the below examples, but yours will show your card names over the images, with the last four digits displayed, in addition to how many points you have to move. Keep in mind that you want to move your points to a card that earns Ultimate Rewards® points from a cashback card in order to redeem them for travel.

Step 3

Manually type in how many points you want to move from one card to another.

Step 4

Confirm that everything looks good before hitting submit. Your points should combine instantly.

Cards That Earn Ultimate Rewards Points

In addition to the Chase Sapphire Preferred, these cards give you Chase’s most versatile and valuable rewards, known as Ultimate Rewards points. They’re flexible and can be used for travel, cash back, or transferred to travel partners for outsized value.

Some Chase cards don’t earn Ultimate Rewards points directly. Instead, they earn cash back or partner-specific rewards. Some also come with annual fees, so make sure to check that the card benefits outweigh the fee costs for your family.

Final Thoughts

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is still one of the most versatile and valuable cards for families looking to earn travel rewards, and with the bigger hotel credit, the new bonus categories, and the rare 100,000-point welcome offer, there is a strong case it is better than ever for casual and semi-frequent travelers. The one trade-off to weigh is the Hyatt transfer change, especially if Hyatt is your go-to.

Not sure if this or another card could be right for you? Sign up here for a free credit card consultation with me, and we’ll help you find your next best rewards travel card.

If you have any questions or need further advice feel free to email me or send me a message on Instagram. I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help you.

_{Please note that this article contains affiliate links, and I may earn a referral commission if you choose to apply through my links. As a small business, these earnings help me to continue to bring you content like this at no extra cost to you. Thank you!}

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  Advice | Europe | Family | Featured | How to | Hyatt | North America | Rewards Travel | United States | USA

  Why Hyatt Hotels Is the Best Brand for Family Rewards Travel

  ByMari October 21, 2026October 21, 2026

  When it comes to finding the perfect hotel for our family vacation, Hyatt consistently stands out. With an amazing rewards program, family-friendly accommodations, and unbeatable perks, Hyatt hotels makes it easier to travel with our family for way fewer points than other hotel brands (sorry, Marriott and Hilton!). When it comes to rewards travel, brand loyalty always pays off. Here’s why Hyatt has consistently been the best hotel brand choice for our family, for redeeming points at the best value, earn rewards, and stretching our travel budget.

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  Family | Featured | North America | Rewards Travel | Southwest | United States

  Southwest Companion Pass Guide (2027): New Rules & Strategies

  ByMari October 21, 2026October 21, 2026

  The Southwest Companion Pass has long been one of my favorite ways to save money on family travel. With this popular benefit, you can bring a designated companion on your Southwest flights for just the taxes and fees, starting at $5.60 each way on domestic flights. For families, that can add up to some serious savings!

  BIG UPDATE FOR 2027: Southwest just announced major changes to how travelers earn the Companion Pass, including eliminating credit card welcome offers as a way to qualify under the new rules. But there’s still a limited opportunity to use the current strategy before the changes take effect!

  Fun fact: we used our Southwest Companion passes to get us to and from Hawaii, along with plenty of other destinations. In this updated guide, I’ll walk you through what’s changing, how to earn the pass under the current and new rules, and whether it’s still worth pursuing for your family.

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  Abroad | Advice | Capital One | Chase | Europe | Family | Featured | How to | Italy | Rewards Travel

  How We Booked Europe on Points and Miles for a Family of 11

  ByMari October 19, 2026October 19, 2026

  How we booked Europe on points and miles for a family of 11: our card strategy, Virgin Atlantic award flights, and how we erased our lodging and cruise.

The post The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: The Ultimate Family Travel Tool We Love appeared first on Mari on the Map.

Living up to the name “Dreams” is kind of a tall order, but TL;DR, Dreams Playa Esmeralda did it. I’m still dreaming about it, and I think it might be somewhere we plan an annual trip to… it’s that good! Located in the Dominican Republic, this new Hyatt all-inclusive property had it all: beautiful beaches, lovely pools, fantastic staff, and good food and drinks.

Of course, no resort is perfect, so I’ll spill the tea on some areas of improvement as well. This post covers everything you need to know before you go: how the resort works, what it actually costs, what to do with kids, and whether it lives up to the hype. If you are searching for a family all-inclusive that also gives the adults room to breathe, read on.

What Is Dreams Playa Esmeralda?

Dreams Playa Esmeralda is a new all-inclusive resort on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic, in the Miches region. It opened in late 2025 and is part of the Hyatt Inclusive Collection, which means you can book it with World of Hyatt points. The sister property, Secrets Playa Esmeralda, sits right next door and is adults-only. As a Dreams guest, you have access to both.

One thing to know upfront: when people search “dreams playa esmeralda punta cana,” they are usually referring to the closest major airport, which is Punta Cana International (PUJ). The resort is actually in Miches, about 90 minutes from that airport. It is worth factoring in when you plan, but the drive is easy and the area is genuinely beautiful, far removed from the busier resort strips. You can easily set up a transfer from the airport through the resort, as we did. The ride is so easy and peaceful that most of us fell asleep both directions!

The setting is unlike anything we have seen at a Caribbean resort. The beach is largely untouched, the water is clear, and there are almost no other properties in sight. For families used to crowded resort beaches, it is a real change of pace.

Getting to Dreams Playa Esmeralda

Fly into Punta Cana International Airport and arrange a transfer from there. The resort can organize transportation through their partner Amstar. Private transfers and group transfers are available. Whatever you book, plan for about 90 minutes on the road.

My advice: book your transfer before you arrive. With kids and luggage, this is not the moment to improvise at the airport.

Booking Dreams Playa Esmeralda on Points

Dreams Playa Esmeralda is part of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection, which means it is bookable with World of Hyatt points. It sits in Category B, so standard rooms on off-peak nights start at 17,000 points for two, and about 32,000 for four at the all-inclusive rate, with premium suites on peak nights running up to 46,000. Considering the all-inclusive rate includes meals, drinks, and activities, the value here is real.

If you’re building your Hyatt points strategy, read about why Hyatt is my favorite hotel brand for family travel and all-inclusive properties like this one are a big part of that. When your room covers food and drinks for the whole family, the points redemption math gets even better. My boys especially loved the virgin piña coladas!

The Rooms

Dreams Playa Esmeralda has 500 rooms and suites, many of which are swim-out, with direct access to the pool from your terrace. The rooms are bright, modern, and well designed, with plush bedding, spacious bathrooms with rain showers and double vanities, and a Bluetooth speaker system. Connecting suite options are available for larger groups, which is worth asking about when you book.

If you are considering the Preferred Club upgrade, it gets you butler service, personalized check-in, and access to exclusive pool and lounge areas including the Windows restaurant for a la carte breakfast and lunch. We went with this option, as we were traveling for my birthday, and our personal butler, Angelo, was very attentive. It felt a little indulgent to use his services, which included unpacking our room, but he was insistent that we should rely on him. His services included 24/7 chat service on WhatsApp, and the best use was to make all of our reservations at the various restaurants on the first day.

One note on the swim-out rooms: depending on which direction your terrace faces, the pool access area may not get much direct sun. Worth asking about orientation when you book if that matters to you. We prefer to not book a swim-out room when our kids are present, since I don’t love the risk of them having direct access to a pool. Even though they are both great swimmers, you can never be too safe around the water. Our third-floor balcony room had a lovely view and a hot tub on the balcony, and I’d recommend it.

Is Dreams Playa Esmeralda All Inclusive?

Yes, and that is one of the biggest draws. Unlike the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, which I reviewed separately and where everything is charged individually, Dreams Playa Esmeralda covers meals, drinks, activities, and entertainment in your room rate. That changes the math significantly for families.

Ten restaurants and seven bars are included, and as a Dreams guest you also have full access to the Secrets side for dining and amenities, which effectively doubles your options. Kids under 13 cannot access the adults-only Secrets pools and certain spaces, but adults can move freely between both properties.

A few things that are not included in the base rate: spa treatments, certain premium excursions, and Preferred Club upgrades. The Preferred Club pools and lounges are also separate. Budget for those separately if you want them.

The Water Park and Pools

If you are looking for resorts with water slides, Dreams Playa Esmeralda delivers. There is an on-site water park with slides for different ages and a dedicated splash zone for younger kids. It is not on the scale of a standalone water park, but for a resort, it is genuinely fun, and the kids spent a significant amount of time there.

Beyond the water park, the resort has four pools including a dedicated family pool and a Preferred Club pool. The family pool area has a swim-up bar, which is a practical feature when you do not want to go far with kids. Pool temperatures ran on the cooler side during our visit, which is worth knowing if you are traveling in winter months.

The beach is the real standout. Wide, soft sand, clear water, and very few people. You can walk along the shore for a long stretch without running into another resort. The waves right in front of the property can be a bit rougher on certain days, but a short walk in either direction finds calmer, swimmable water. Kayaks and snorkel gear are available at the beach hut at no extra charge.

Dining at Dreams Playa Esmeralda

Ten dining options cover a lot of ground: Dominican, South American, Mexican, Italian, and a teppanyaki restaurant called Himitsu. Watching chefs flip and toss food at the table works every time. There is also a buffet that runs breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which is the practical choice when you are feeding multiple kids at different paces.

Make your restaurant reservations before you arrive, or as soon as you check in. Some of the a la carte restaurants fill up quickly, and walk-in availability is not guaranteed at peak dinner times. Poolside food and beach grill options are always available without reservations, which helps on low-key days. The resort also did special pool-side dining some of the days, that was included.

Activities and Things to Do with Kids

Punta cana with kids often means finding a resort that keeps everyone busy without requiring constant parental coordination, and Dreams Playa Esmeralda does that well. The Explorer’s Club for Kids runs programming for ages 3 to 12, staffed by Red Cross-certified staff, with real activities: beach games, sandcastle building, treasure hunts, arts and crafts.

Teenagers have their own space at the Core Zone Teens Club with separate programming, which is useful for families with a wider age range. And for younger kids, nursery services are available for an additional cost.

Beyond the kids clubs, daily activities across the property include tennis, snorkeling, kayaking, dance classes, Spanish lessons, and evening entertainment in the Public Square, a shared village-style area between Dreams and Secrets where both properties come together for music and shows. The nightly programming in the theater spaces gives the kids something to look forward to after dinner.

The Miches region is also worth exploring off-property. Montana Redonda, with its panoramic hilltop views. Samana Bay has humpback whale watching from January through March. Los Haitises National Park is close and impressive. The resort can help organize excursions, though I would recommend doing some research in advance on providers and pricing.

The Spa

The Secrets Spa is shared between both properties and is impressive: massage cabins, a hydrotherapy circuit, sauna, steam bath, and a full beauty salon. It is not included in the base rate, but if you are going to splurge on one extra while you are there, this is the one. Book ahead, especially during busier periods.

Final Thoughts

Dreams Playa Esmeralda is a strong option for families who want the ease of all-inclusive travel without sacrificing quality. Since the resort is still relatively new, it is worth going in with realistic expectations around things like restaurant consistency, service flow, and a few small room details. None of those issues derailed the trip for us, but a resort in its first year of operation will naturally feel different from one that has been running for a decade.

What really makes Dreams Playa Esmeralda stand out is the location. Miches offers a quieter, more remote Caribbean experience while still giving you full resort amenities, an all-inclusive structure, and a beautiful beach that feels very different from the more developed resort areas. The Hyatt points angle also makes it especially compelling, if you are holding points and have been waiting for the right redemption, this is worth looking at seriously.

If you have questions about planning a trip or figuring out the points strategy, send me an email or a DM on Instagram. I am always happy to help you travel more for less!

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  Advice | Europe | Family | Featured | How to | Hyatt | North America | Rewards Travel | United States | USA

  Why Hyatt Hotels Is the Best Brand for Family Rewards Travel

  ByMari October 21, 2026October 21, 2026

  When it comes to finding the perfect hotel for our family vacation, Hyatt consistently stands out. With an amazing rewards program, family-friendly accommodations, and unbeatable perks, Hyatt hotels makes it easier to travel with our family for way fewer points than other hotel brands (sorry, Marriott and Hilton!). When it comes to rewards travel, brand loyalty always pays off. Here’s why Hyatt has consistently been the best hotel brand choice for our family, for redeeming points at the best value, earn rewards, and stretching our travel budget.

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  Advice | Best Moments | Caribbean | Family | Featured | How to | Hyatt | North America | Rewards Travel

  Dreams Playa Esmeralda Review: A Brilliant All-Inclusive for Families

  ByMari July 11, 2026July 11, 2026

  Read this Dreams Playa Esmeralda review for families, including rooms, dining, kids activities, Hyatt points, all-inclusive details, and what to know before booking.

The post Dreams Playa Esmeralda Review: A Brilliant All-Inclusive for Families appeared first on Mari on the Map.

The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is more than just a resort; it’s a massive playground in the heart of Nassau. While the stunning architecture and turquoise waters are a given, navigating a family vacation here requires a bit of strategy. In this review, we’re moving past the highlight reel to look at the service, the amenities, and the overall value. Here is everything you need to know about the family escape to decide if it’s worth spending your points or cash.

What Is Baha Mar?

Baha Mar is a massive beachfront resort complex on Cable Beach in Nassau, Bahamas. It is made up of three hotels: the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, the SLS, and the Rosewood. The Grand Hyatt is the biggest of the three and the most family-friendly, sitting right in the center of the property with easy access to the pools, beach, and the Baha Mar water park.

If you are traveling with kids, Grand Hyatt is the obvious choice. The SLS leans more party-forward, and the Rosewood is quieter and more boutique. Grand Hyatt hits the sweet spot.

Getting to Baha Mar

The resort is about 15 minutes from Lynden Pindling International Airport. That is one of the things I appreciated: the airport transfer is painless. The hotel offers an official car service. Alternatively, you can grab a taxi for around $25 to $40 each way depending on your group size. If you want something booked ahead and seamless, a private SUV through a local service runs around $75 round trip and is completely worth it with kids in tow.

Booking the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar on Points

This is where things get interesting, and there is some genuinely important context right now. If you have been collecting World of Hyatt points, the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar has historically been one of the better redemptions out there. Standard rooms have run around 35,000 points per night, against cash rates that can easily hit $800 or more depending on when you go. I have written about why Hyatt is my favorite hotel brand for family travel, and a trip like this is a good example of why.

But here is the update you need to know: Hyatt is moving from 3 pricing tiers to 5 tiers starting May 2026. On high-demand dates, that means some rooms could jump by 33% to 67% in points. A Category 4 stay that used to cost 18,000 points could hit 25,000 at peak. Anything booked before May 20, 2026 locks in at the old rates, so if Baha Mar is on your list, sooner is better.

A few other things worth knowing: if you hold a Category 1 to 4 Free Night Certificate from the Hyatt card, those are still valid even if a hotel is priced at the new top tier rate. And if you are looking at points plus cash options, keep in mind that when points pricing peaks, cash rates are usually peaking, too, so check both before you decide.

If you are a Hyatt Globalist, your perks at this property include late checkout, free breakfast, and no resort fees, which adds up to real savings over a few nights. Hyatt also has a Family Plan Rate where you can sometimes get up to 50% off a second room when traveling with kids. You usually need to call to ask about it. And if you are still building out your hotel strategy, I have a full post on hotels where kids stay free that is worth bookmarking.

One thing worth knowing that saved us a lot of money: you do not have to be a Globalist yourself to access some of these perks. Hyatt Globalists can gift a Guest of Honor certificate to someone else, which passes along benefits like free breakfast. That is exactly what happened for us. A friend who holds Globalist status gifted us the certificate, and we got daily breakfast for two adults and two kids at the Regatta Buffet covered. The buffet runs until noon on weekdays, which means if you pace it right, it covers both breakfast and an early lunch. For a resort where food adds up fast, that is a meaningful saving.

The Rooms

The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar has 1,800 guestrooms, including 230 suites ranging from one to three bedrooms. Rooms are newly renovated and feel fresh and modern, with open layouts and contemporary furnishings. Most rooms have a balcony, and while the ocean view is not a straight-on panorama since the towers face slightly to the sides, you get enough of it to feel the Caribbean mood.

Worth noting for bigger families or groups: the West Tower just launched four newly renovated family suites that sleep up to six guests comfortably. Each two-bedroom suite has a king bed, bunk beds, and a living room with a pullout couch. These are now bookable online and are a genuinely good option if you are traveling with multiple kids or combining families for a trip.

One smart feature at check-in: everyone gets waterproof wristbands that work as your room key and are linked to your credit card. No wallet needed at the pool or beach. This sounds like a small thing until you are chasing your child through a water park and realize you left your room card at the towel stand.

A few practical details worth knowing before you arrive: check-in is at 4pm and checkout is at 11am. At check-in, the hotel places a $200 per night incidental hold on your card on top of the room rate, so use a credit card rather than a debit card if you can. Microwaves are not standard but can be rented for a one-time $50 charge if you need one. Babysitting is available but requires 24 hours notice, so if you are planning a dinner on your own, book it as soon as you arrive. Guests are all given branded reusable water bottles in the room and encouraged to follow environmentally-friendly practices throughout their stay.

The Baha Mar Waterpark (Baha Bay)

Access to the Baha Bay waterpark is included for Grand Hyatt guests, and it was one of our favorite parts of the stay. This is a full water park: wave pool, lazy river, water slides, a surf simulator, and a separate splash zone for younger kids. You can pop in for a short time on every day of your hotel stay, or you can spend the entire day there.

We spent a lot of time here, both entire days and parts of days. The lazy river alone is worth mentioning because it is genuinely one of the better ones for kids: long, with enough current to keep things going, but no waterfalls or waves that splash little kids in the face. The wave pool is a hit with kids of all ages.

If you want an upgraded experience within the water park, there is the Baha Bay Beach Club, a private section with infinity pools and reserved loungers. Chairs include a food and beverage credit that largely offsets the cost, so if you plan on eating lunch and ordering drinks anyway, it is worth looking into. Just know that the best spots book out months in advance.

The Pools

Outside of the waterpark, the Grand Hyatt alone has six pools with different vibes. The standout is the Dean’s Blue Hole pool, which has a cliff jumping spot and a cave-like grotto with windows looking directly into an aquarium. You can swim up and watch sharks and sea turtles from inside the pool, which is genuinely cool and our kids loved it.

There are also adults-only options if you need a break from the family energy. Loungers can fill up early at peak times, so getting out before 9am helps if you have a spot in mind. However, the staff has a guideline that if a lounge chair is empty for one hour (meaning a person hasn’t sat in it), they will relate the belongings on it so other guests can use them. If you’ve ever been to a resort where chair saving is a competitive sport, you’ll understand how refreshing this was. It meant that we could always approach a staff member that would make sure chairs were available for individuals actually at the pool.

The Beach

Cable Beach is absolutely stunning. The water is warm, calm, and that shade of Caribbean turquoise that does not exist anywhere in the world. It is very swimmable, which matters when you are traveling with young kids who do not want to get knocked over by big waves.

The free beach area has chairs and umbrellas, and we never had a hard time finding a spot, even traveling during peak holiday timing. Towels are available at beach huts, and you can order food and drinks nearby without having to walk back into the hotel. The kayaks and floats are complimentary for hotel guests, which is a nice added touch. The pools and beach close at sunset, so plan your last water session accordingly.

Dining at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar

There are 45 restaurants and bars across the entire Baha Mar property, and as a Grand Hyatt guest, you can dine at all of them. That variety is genuinely impressive and means you are unlikely to get bored. The downside is that the prices are high across the board. Budget accordingly.

A few notes on specifics: Kids 5 and under eat free at several restaurants, but there are a few conditions: a full priced adult entree is required, and only items from the children’s menu are covered. The participating restaurants are Café Boulud, Carna, Cinko, Cleo, Costa, Drift, Katsuya, Marcus, Out Island Bar, The Palms, Regatta Buffet, and Stix Noodle Bar. It is a decent list and worth planning around.

Most bills include a service charge automatically, so read your receipt before you add a tip or you will end up paying far more than you intended.

Make your dinner reservations as early as possible, ideally before you arrive. A few weeks out and you will find several of the better restaurants fully booked during prime hours. Some standouts across the property: Marcus for a splurge dinner if you can get a table (worth it, especially with outdoor seating on the beach), Pizza Lab for quick casual dinner (plus they have a takeout option), and the Swimming Pig for casual food done well. Sugar Factory is a full sensory experience and the kids will love it once, even if you come out slightly overwhelmed. If you go to Katsuya, ask for the chef’s table, so your kids can watch them make the sushi.

Breakfast as a Globalist is covered at the Regatta buffet or, more recently, at Cafe Madeline and Palms Cafe.

Activities and Things to Do

Beyond the beach and waterpark, there is genuinely a lot happening. The flamingo parade runs daily at 9:30am at Flamingo Cay and is free. The Sanctuary has sea turtles, stingrays, and nurse sharks with hands-on options at different price points.

The Explorers Kids Club is available for ages 3 to 12 at around $130 for a 7-hour session, or shorter blocks for less.

There is also mini golf, tennis and pickleball, arcade games (they run $3 to $5 per game so set a budget before you walk in), a jazz bar, and a nightly dancing water fountain show that is free and runs from 6pm to 10pm.

The resort also deliveries a printout of daily activities to your room each day (you can also find this on the app). The activities are kid-friendly and mostly planned around holiday happenings. We were there at Christmastime and genuinely enjoyed the daily themed events.

ESPA at Baha Mar is excellent if you have a chance to make it there. Beautiful space, great staff. If you are going as an adult or taking a trip like this solo with the kids, put the spa on the list and do not skip it.

The Casino

It’s worth noting that the entire lobby floor level of the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is based around a casino. This was genuinely surprising to me considering that it’s a family-friendly resort. You can walk around the casino (there are walkways on either side), but since the resort is huge, and the casino is prominent, walking through it is the fastest for little legs. While no one stopped us and our children from walking through the casino floor, our son was scolded for stopping with genuine interest to watch a table game. The dealer made it clear that minors even watching was illegal, and that we could not linger.

Is the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar All Inclusive?

No, the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is not all inclusive. Everything beyond your room rate is charged separately: meals, drinks, activities, spa treatments. This is one of the most important things to understand before you book, because it is easy to assume that a resort with this many amenities bundles them together.

Budget for at least $150 to $200 per adult per day on food and drinks if you are eating at the restaurants and having drinks. More if you are doing excursions or upgraded pool experiences. Going in with realistic numbers makes the trip more enjoyable. The Bahamas is expensive in general, and Baha Mar reflects that.

The water park access is included for Grand Hyatt guests, which is a real perk given that day passes for non-guests run around $160 per person. If you are a family spending multiple days here and using the water park daily, that is significant value built into your room rate.

My Honest Take

This trip delivered exactly what I needed: warm, fun, the kids were occupied and happy, and I got to sit in the sun.

The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is a genuinely great family resort. The amenities are lovely, the food is delicious, there are activities around every corner, and the fact that everything is all on the property means you can relax without feeling the need to be on the go.

Is it expensive? Yes. Go in preparing for that. If you are holding Hyatt or Chase points and have been looking for a tropical, reasonably priced redemption, this is a great one.

Final Thoughts

If Baha Mar is on your radar, my honest advice is to move on it sooner rather than later, especially if you are planning to use points. With the pricing changes coming May 20, 2026, what you lock in now is going to look a lot better than what you pay later.

If you have questions about planning a trip to Nassau, send me an email or a DM on Instagram. I am always happy to help you travel more for less!

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  Advice | Europe | Family | Featured | How to | Hyatt | North America | Rewards Travel | United States | USA

  Why Hyatt Hotels Is the Best Brand for Family Rewards Travel

  ByMari October 21, 2026October 21, 2026

  When it comes to finding the perfect hotel for our family vacation, Hyatt consistently stands out. With an amazing rewards program, family-friendly accommodations, and unbeatable perks, Hyatt hotels makes it easier to travel with our family for way fewer points than other hotel brands (sorry, Marriott and Hilton!). When it comes to rewards travel, brand loyalty always pays off. Here’s why Hyatt has consistently been the best hotel brand choice for our family, for redeeming points at the best value, earn rewards, and stretching our travel budget.

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  Family | Featured | North America | Rewards Travel | Southwest | United States

  Southwest Companion Pass Guide (2027): New Rules & Strategies

  ByMari October 21, 2026October 21, 2026

  The Southwest Companion Pass has long been one of my favorite ways to save money on family travel. With this popular benefit, you can bring a designated companion on your Southwest flights for just the taxes and fees, starting at $5.60 each way on domestic flights. For families, that can add up to some serious savings!

  BIG UPDATE FOR 2027: Southwest just announced major changes to how travelers earn the Companion Pass, including eliminating credit card welcome offers as a way to qualify under the new rules. But there’s still a limited opportunity to use the current strategy before the changes take effect!

  Fun fact: we used our Southwest Companion passes to get us to and from Hawaii, along with plenty of other destinations. In this updated guide, I’ll walk you through what’s changing, how to earn the pass under the current and new rules, and whether it’s still worth pursuing for your family.

The post Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Review: Is This Family Escape Worth Every Point? appeared first on Mari on the Map.

_{This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers.}

When it comes to maximizing your points and miles for travel, you might be overlooking one of the easiest ways to boost your balance: online shopping portals. These tools have helped us earn extra rewards for purchases our family is already making, and when used strategically, they can be a significant points earning strategy.

Read on for my comprehensive guide on how online shopping portals work, why they’re valuable for families, some of our favorite shopping portals, and how you can use them to supercharge your points-earning game.

What Are Online Shopping Portals?

Online shopping portals are websites that partner with retailers to offer cashback or points/miles for purchases. Instead of shopping directly at your favorite retailer’s website, you start your purchase through a portal, which tracks your transaction and rewards you accordingly.

For example: If a shopping portal offers 3 points per dollar at Macy’s, and you spend $100, you’ll earn 300 points on top of any points your credit card earns via a category multiplier. This is called “stacking” since you are earning rewards from more than one source on a single purchase.

Why Are Shopping Portals Valuable?

• Double Dip on Rewards: You’ll earn rewards from the shopping portal and your credit card.
• Stackable Deals: Combine shopping portal rewards with sales, promo codes, and other discounts for maximum value. You can even still use promo codes or coupons at checkout.
• Strategic Points Earning: You can choose portals tied to your preferred loyalty program, like earning Southwest Airlines miles or American Express Membership Rewards points.
• Minimal Effort: Most portals are user-friendly, and you’re simply adding one extra step to your shopping routine by logging into that site and clicking over to where you want to shop.

Compare Your Offers Before You Shop

If you’re serious about earning points and miles from your everyday online shopping, SaveWise should be your first stop. This free tool compares all the major shopping portals we’ll review here — like Rakuten, Alaska Mileage Plan, American Airlines AAdvantage eShopping, and more — to show you which one is offering the best bonus right now.

Instead of guessing which portal will give you the most points, SaveWise lays it all out in seconds. Just search for the store where you plan to shop, and you’ll see the current cash back or miles rates across multiple portals. SaveWise also offers a paid premium version where you can see offer history to help time your shopping to when points or cashback offers are highest. CashbackMonitor.com also offers a similar offer comparison tool without the upgraded offer history option.

Popular Online Shopping Portals (and Our Favorites!)

1. Airline Shopping Portals

Airlines like Delta, United, Southwest, American Airlines, and more have their own portals where you can earn miles:

• Example: Spend $150 at Macy’s via the American Airlines AAdvantage Shopping portal offering 5 miles per dollar, and you’ll rack up 750 miles.
• Best For: Travelers working toward a specific airline redemption. Since we now live nearest to an American Airlines hub, we use the AAdvantage Shopping portal often, including the browser extension.

2. Credit Card Rewards Portals

Card issuers like Chase, American Express, and Capital One also offer shopping portals where you can earn additional rewards:

• Example: Use the Chase portal to earn bonus points at stores like Apple, Sephora, or Walmart.
• Best For: Maximizing transferable points programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards. We love earning Chase Ultimate Rewards and find them so valuable, especially for booking Hyatt stays, so this is another go-to strategy for us.

3. Cashback Portals

If you prefer cashback over travel points or you love American Express or Bilt, portals like Rakuten (formerly Ebates) or TopCashback are excellent options:

• Example: Rakuten lets you earn Amex Membership Rewards or Bilt points instead of cashback when linked to your account. You must be a current Amex card holder to earn Amex points, but you do not have to be a Bilt cardholder to earn Bilt points. Both allow you to transfer points to hotels and airlines for nearly free travel.
• Best For: Flexible rewards that can either offset expenses or fund your travel plans. I’ve been using Rakuten for years, previously to earn cashback, but I recently switched it over to earning Memership Rewards.

Pro tip: While there is the option to stack with credit card bonuses and category multipliers, you can typically only shop through one shopping portal at a time. Clicking on one and then clicking on another will typically deactivate the first one you clicked on.

Maximizing Points with Credit Card Linked Offers

Shopping portals are an easy and rewarding way to earn extra points, but you can further boost your earnings by activating credit card linked offers. These bonuses are tied to specific categories, promotions, or rotating offers that can make your online purchases even more rewarding by using the specific card the offer is on. Here’s how to activate your offers and make the most of both shopping portals and credit card rewards.

How to Activate Offers on Your Credit Cards

1. Check Your Credit Card’s Website or App

Most credit card issuers make it easy to activate offers directly through their website or mobile app:

• Log into Your Account: Start by logging into your credit card account either through the website or the mobile app.
• Look for Promotions or Offers: On the dashboard, look for a section related to rewards or bonuses. This may be labeled as “Earn More,” “Bonus Categories,” or “Special Offers.”
• Activate the Offer: Once you’ve found the available bonuses or categories, there should be a button or link to activate the offer. Some issuers, like Chase, even offer the ability to activate rotating categories for each quarter.

Example: Chase Freedom Flex offers rotating 5% cashback on specific categories each quarter (like groceries or dining). To activate, go to the “Rewards” section in your Chase account, select the current quarter’s offer, and click to activate. If you hold a Chase Ultimate Rewards earning card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you can also turn your cashback from the Chase Freedom Flex into points.

If you want an easy way to activate all of your card linked offers at once, CardPointers‘ browser plug-in offers this capability.

2. Check Your Card’s Offers Page

Some credit cards provide detailed information about their rewards program through a separate “Rewards” section or tab. For example, the American Express Membership Rewards program has a dedicated portal where cardholders can review available promotions and activate specific bonuses.

• Look for Special Categories: These might include extra points for certain purchases, such as travel bookings or grocery shopping, or even at certain retailers.
• Activate in Advance: Most rewards bonuses must be activated in advance of a purchase. For instance, one of my cards was recently offering 5x points back at CVS, but I had to activate that offer in my bank’s website before I ran by card at CVS.

3. Sign Up for Alerts and Email Notifications

To make sure you never miss an opportunity to activate a bonus, sign up for email alerts or push notifications from your credit card issuer. Many issuers send out notifications when new offers or promotions become available. These reminders can help you stay on top of activation deadlines. All of the credit cards I hold send me emails multiple times a month to let me know what bonuses are available, but it is on you to go in and activate them.

4. Monitor for Targeted Offers

Some credit cards may also have targeted offers based on your spending habits. These offers are often personalized and can give you additional rewards on specific categories like online shopping or gas purchases. Be sure to check your account regularly to spot these special offers.

• Log In Regularly: Even if you don’t see any obvious promotions, check your account frequently for updates or bonus offers.
• Activate as Soon as Possible: Targeted offers may expire after a certain time frame, so activating them as soon as you see them is crucial.

5. Track Your Bonus Categories and Rewards

Once you’ve activated any rewards bonuses, it’s important to keep track of which categories are active, and for how long. Some credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, allow you to track your progress in earning rewards within specific categories right from the account dashboard.

How to Use Online Shopping Portals and Credit Card Bonuses Strategically

1. Compare Offers Across Portals and Cards

Not all shopping portals offer the same rewards for the same retailer. By comparing offers across multiple portals, you can ensure you’re getting the highest rate possible.

2. Combine Shopping Portals and Credit Card Offers

Maximize your points by pairing your shopping portal purchase with a credit card that offers bonus points for online shopping or specific retailers.

Example: Use Rakuten for 6% cashback or (6x Membership Rewards) at Instacart and a credit card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred 3x on online groceries, combined with Chase card linked offer of 5x back at Instacart.

3. Take Advantage of Portal Bonuses

Shopping portals often have special promotions that offer extra miles or cashback after you meet a minimum spend within a set period. These promotions can be a great way to get bonus rewards on top of your regular earnings.

Example: “Earn 500 bonus United miles after spending $200 through the shopping portal in the next 90 days.” Be on the lookout for these limited-time offers, as they can add significant value to your purchases.

4. Bookmark Your Favorite Portals and Set Reminders

It’s easy to forget to use a portal before making a purchase, but there are ways to keep it top of mind. Bookmark your favorite shopping portals or install browser extensions that remind you to use a portal before checking out. For example, Rakuten offers extensions that automatically alert you if a store is eligible for rewards.

Pro Tips for Staying Organized

1. Use the CardPointers App

Apps like CardPointers track your cards’ best categories and remind you of rewards rates for purchases. Combine this with your portal strategy for ultimate earning potential.

2. Use Browser Extensions

Many portals like Rakuten offer browser extensions that alert you when a store is eligible for rewards. This ensures you never miss an opportunity.

3. Keep Track of Transactions

Use a spreadsheet or note-taking app to track portal purchases and ensure points are credited correctly. Save screenshots of the offers you activated into a folder on your computer or phone. Most portals process rewards correctly within 30-90 days, but it’s good to have the backup if there’s a discrepancy.

Final Thoughts: Earn Points on What You Already Buy

Online shopping portals and credit card linked offers are a simple but powerful way to accumulate way more points and miles with your everyday spending. By strategically using both, you can turn everyday shopping into significant rewards. Whether you’re buying groceries, clothes, or gadgets, those purchases can be converted into your next dream vacation, hotel stay, or other rewards.

With a little planning and the right tools—like apps and browser extensions—you can easily maximize your points earning potential and stay organized. So, next time you’re about to make an online purchase, don’t forget to start at a shopping portal, use your best credit card for that category, and check your credit card’s website for additional offers. The points you earn will add up, and before you know it, you’ll be booking your next family vacation on points and miles.

_{Please note that this article contains affiliate links, and I may earn a referral commission if you choose to apply through my links. As a small business, these earnings help me to continue to bring you content like this at no extra cost to you. Thank you!}

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  Advice | Europe | Family | Featured | How to | Hyatt | North America | Rewards Travel | United States | USA

  Why Hyatt Hotels Is the Best Brand for Family Rewards Travel

  ByMari October 21, 2026October 21, 2026

  When it comes to finding the perfect hotel for our family vacation, Hyatt consistently stands out. With an amazing rewards program, family-friendly accommodations, and unbeatable perks, Hyatt hotels makes it easier to travel with our family for way fewer points than other hotel brands (sorry, Marriott and Hilton!). When it comes to rewards travel, brand loyalty always pays off. Here’s why Hyatt has consistently been the best hotel brand choice for our family, for redeeming points at the best value, earn rewards, and stretching our travel budget.

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  Family | Featured | North America | Rewards Travel | Southwest | United States

  Southwest Companion Pass Guide (2027): New Rules & Strategies

  ByMari October 21, 2026October 21, 2026

  The Southwest Companion Pass has long been one of my favorite ways to save money on family travel. With this popular benefit, you can bring a designated companion on your Southwest flights for just the taxes and fees, starting at $5.60 each way on domestic flights. For families, that can add up to some serious savings!

  BIG UPDATE FOR 2027: Southwest just announced major changes to how travelers earn the Companion Pass, including eliminating credit card welcome offers as a way to qualify under the new rules. But there’s still a limited opportunity to use the current strategy before the changes take effect!

  Fun fact: we used our Southwest Companion passes to get us to and from Hawaii, along with plenty of other destinations. In this updated guide, I’ll walk you through what’s changing, how to earn the pass under the current and new rules, and whether it’s still worth pursuing for your family.

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  Abroad | Advice | Capital One | Chase | Europe | Family | Featured | How to | Italy | Rewards Travel

  How We Booked Europe on Points and Miles for a Family of 11

  ByMari October 19, 2026October 19, 2026

  How we booked Europe on points and miles for a family of 11: our card strategy, Virgin Atlantic award flights, and how we erased our lodging and cruise.

The post How to Maximize Points with Shopping Portals and Credit Card Bonuses appeared first on Mari on the Map.

^{This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers.}

People often ask me why I prefer points over cashback — especially when cashback feels so simple and straightforward. I get it. Seeing a flat percentage show up in your account feels tangible and easy. But if you love to travel, you’re leaving serious value (and unforgettable experiences) on the table.

Are points better than cashback?

For travelers — yes. While cashback offers a fixed return (usually 1–2%), points and miles can deliver 2–6x more value when redeemed strategically for flights and hotels. In short: cashback saves money; points unlock more value, making your money go further.

Why Points and Miles Offer More Value Than Cashback

Let’s break it down. Cashback rewards are simple — you earn a fixed percentage (like 1.5%) back on everything you buy. It’s predictable but capped.

Points, on the other hand, can multiply in value depending on how you use them. That’s because not all points are created equal. When you redeem travel rewards wisely — like transferring them to an airline or hotel partner — you can easily get 2X, 3X, or even 5X the return you’d get from straight cashback.

For example:

• A flight might cost 40,000 points, with a cash value of $800.
• Those same 40,000 points if cashed out would get you $400.

The value comes from the higher return you get for using your points for travel instead of simply taking the cash.

What’s the Difference Between Points and Cashback?

At the simplest level:

• Cashback gives you a fixed return — usually 1–2% of what you spend.
• Points and miles can fluctuate in value depending on how you redeem them.

For example, $1,000 in spending at 2% cashback gives you $20.
That same $1,000 on a travel rewards card earning 3x points = 3,000 points.

If those points are worth 2 cents each when transferred to an airline partner, that’s $60 in travel value — triple what you’d earn in cashback.

That’s the first big difference: flexibility and potential value.

The Math: Cents Per Point (CPP) and Real-Life Examples

To really understand why points win, you need to know one key concept: cents per point, or CPP.

Formula:
(Value of redemption ÷ number of points used) × 100 = CPP

Let’s say you book a flight that costs $900 cash or 45,000 points.

• $900 ÷ 45,000 = 0.02, or 2 cents per point (2 CPP).

That’s a 2% return — and that’s before counting the points you earned from the purchase itself or from card bonuses.

Compare that to a flat 1.5% cashback card — the travel redemption already wins by 33%, and that’s a conservative example. Many premium redemptions (like business-class flights or luxury hotels) can easily hit 4–6 CPP or more.

Real Example: Family Travel for a Fraction of the Cost

When we took our family to Europe, flights were priced around $4,000 total. Instead, we transferred points to Air France Flying Blue and booked them for 120,000 points and $400 in taxes.

That’s roughly 3 CPP, or the equivalent of getting $3 back for every $1 spent — far better than any cashback card could dream of. For comparison, you would have to spend $200,000 on a 2% cashback card to earn those same $4,000.

And it’s not just flights — we’ve stayed in beautiful hotels through Hyatt for free using the same strategy.

Why Points Feel Better Than Cashback: The Psychology of Rewards

Here’s the part no one talks about — and why points keep people more engaged and consistent over time.

Cashback is transactional. Points are transformational.

Cashback is instant gratification. You earn a few dollars here and there — nice, but forgettable.
Points, on the other hand, are aspirational currency. They represent experiences, freedom, and travel moments that feel priceless.

Think about it:

• $50 cashback disappears on groceries.
• 50,000 points can turn into a family weekend at a beachfront resort.

That emotional payoff is powerful. It’s what keeps people motivated to learn, plan, and spend smarter. And if you’re in the market to master points and miles, I teach a course that will be perfect for you. Join the waitlist here to be notified when we reopen.

The “Dream Trip Effect”

When people start earning points, they’re often saving toward something exciting — a bucket-list destination, a family reunion, a romantic getaway. That goal-oriented motivation turns everyday spending into progress toward something that actually matters.

And when you finally board that flight you paid for entirely with points? It feels like winning a game you designed yourself.

When Cashback Might Still Win

To be completely transparent, cashback has its place. You might prefer it if:

• You don’t pay off your balances in full each month (interest cancels out any rewards).
• You rarely travel and don’t want to manage multiple points or miles programs.
• You prefer simplicity over strategy.

Otherwise, points are the clear winner — especially for anyone who wants to travel more for less.

Cards Worth Considering

If you’re ready to start earning points strategically, here are a few categories of cards that consistently deliver great value:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® – Ideal beginner travel card with transferable points and flexible redemptions. Read my full guide to this card here.
• American Express® Gold Card – Excellent for dining and groceries (both high-earn categories).
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – A great all-around travel card for beginners and seasoned travelers alike. Read my full guide to this card here.

Pro tip: Don’t pick a card just for the sign-up bonus — choose one that fits your lifestyle and spending patterns.

The Bottom Line: Cashback Feels Good. Points Change the Way You Travel.

Cashback rewards are about saving money. Points and miles are about creating value — unlocking experiences you might never have justified paying cash for.

If your goal is to make travel more accessible, comfortable, and frequent, then points aren’t just better than cashback — they’re your ticket to seeing more of the world for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are points better than cashback for travel?

Yes — for travelers, points usually deliver 2–6x more value than cashback when redeemed for flights and hotels. Cashback gives a fixed return, while points can be leveraged for outsized travel experiences.

What is cents per point (CPP)?

CPP stands for cents per point — a way to measure how much value you’re getting from your points. Divide the cash price of your redemption by the number of points used, then multiply by 100.

Which credit cards offer the best travel rewards?

Cards that earn transferable points, like Chase Sapphire Preferred® or American Express® Gold, usually offer the best long-term flexibility and value.

When is cashback a better choice than points?

Cashback is better if you don’t travel often, carry a balance month to month, or prefer simple rewards with no strategy required.

Ready to start your points journey?

Check out my guide to earning points through everyday spending and learn how my family earned 1 million points in a single year — without changing our budget.

If you have any questions or need further advice feel free to email me or send me a message on Instagram. I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help you.

_{Please note that this article contains affiliate links, and I may earn a referral commission if you choose to apply through my links. As a small business, these earnings help me to continue to bring you content like this at no extra cost to you. Thank you!}

• 

  Advice | Europe | Family | Featured | How to | Hyatt | North America | Rewards Travel | United States | USA

  Why Hyatt Hotels Is the Best Brand for Family Rewards Travel

  ByMari October 21, 2026October 21, 2026

  When it comes to finding the perfect hotel for our family vacation, Hyatt consistently stands out. With an amazing rewards program, family-friendly accommodations, and unbeatable perks, Hyatt hotels makes it easier to travel with our family for way fewer points than other hotel brands (sorry, Marriott and Hilton!). When it comes to rewards travel, brand loyalty always pays off. Here’s why Hyatt has consistently been the best hotel brand choice for our family, for redeeming points at the best value, earn rewards, and stretching our travel budget.

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  Family | Featured | North America | Rewards Travel | Southwest | United States

  Southwest Companion Pass Guide (2027): New Rules & Strategies

  ByMari October 21, 2026October 21, 2026

  The Southwest Companion Pass has long been one of my favorite ways to save money on family travel. With this popular benefit, you can bring a designated companion on your Southwest flights for just the taxes and fees, starting at $5.60 each way on domestic flights. For families, that can add up to some serious savings!

  BIG UPDATE FOR 2027: Southwest just announced major changes to how travelers earn the Companion Pass, including eliminating credit card welcome offers as a way to qualify under the new rules. But there’s still a limited opportunity to use the current strategy before the changes take effect!

  Fun fact: we used our Southwest Companion passes to get us to and from Hawaii, along with plenty of other destinations. In this updated guide, I’ll walk you through what’s changing, how to earn the pass under the current and new rules, and whether it’s still worth pursuing for your family.

The post Why Points Are Better Than Cashback (and Why You’ll Travel Further Because of It) appeared first on Mari on the Map.

_{This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers.}

I get it: sometimes navigating the world of credit cards can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle. One of the trickiest pieces? Chase’s 5/24 rule. Whether you’re a seasoned rewards collector or just starting to dip your toes into the world of credit card points, understanding this rule is crucial for maximizing your rewards potential. Let’s break it down; I promise it won’t be as intimidating as it sounds.

What Exactly Is 5/24 Rule?

Put simply, Chase’s 5/24 rule means that if you’ve opened five or more credit cards from any bank within the past 24 months, your application for a new Chase card will automatically be denied.

It’s not just Chase cards that count toward this limit—cards from any bank count. So, if you’ve been busy collecting cards, it’s probably time to watch your 5/24 status.

Why Does 5/24 Rule Matter?

Your 5/24 status matters because Chase is home to some of the most rewarding credit cards on the market. The Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Chase Freedom Flex®, and Ink Business Preferred® credit cards are all great options for earning points, miles, and cash back. By staying under 5/24 rule, you can unlock valuable sign-up bonuses and take advantage of top-tier travel rewards, rather than missing out because you’ve hit that five-card threshold.

How to Keep Track of Your 5/24 Status

Good news: You don’t have to do it all manually! The CardPointers app can help you stay on top of your 5/24 status, among many other amazing features for rewards travelers. Here’s how it works:

• Track new cards: When you apply for a new card, just log the details in the app.
• Automatic updates: The app tracks your 5/24 status and tells you when cards fall off (after 24 months).
• Beyond 5/24: It also keeps tabs on things like sign-up bonuses and helps you understand which card to use to max your rewards.

Building Your Card Strategy Around 5/24 Rule

Having a plan is key to navigating 5/24 successfully. Here’s the strategy I recommend for maximize your rewards while staying within the rule:

1. Space Out Your Applications

While Chase doesn’t officially require you to wait between applications, it’s smart to wait around 90 days between all credit card applications. This will help protect your credit score and keep your record looking polished for future applications.

2. Make the Most of Referrals

If you have a Player 2—a spouse, partner, or family member who travels with you—take advantage of referral bonuses. Both of you can refer each other to cards, earning extra points on top of your regular sign-up bonuses. Plus, it keeps both of your 5/24 counts in check, making it easier to work around the rule.

3. Business Cards Are Your Secret Weapon

A little-known tip is that business cards typically don’t count toward your 5/24 status. This means you can open business cards and stay under 5/24, which means maximizing your rewards. For example, Chase Business credit cards like Chase’s Ink Business Unlimited® or Ink Business Cash® cards can help you earn valuable points without affecting your 5/24 count. And business cards from other banks don’t count towards 5/24 either.

Sample 5/24 Strategy for Personal Cards

Ready to get strategic? Here’s a sample personal card strategy—in order of how you’d want to open them—that will help you earn rewards while staying under 5/24 rule:

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
   I always recommend starting with the Sapphire Preferred for access to Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred to top airlines and hotel partners. It’s the most beginner-friendly card and deserves a place in your wallet.
2. Co-Branded Hotel Card
   Choose a card for your favorite hotel brand—we love the World of Hyatt personal card. This card can come with free nights and points towards your stays. This is a co-branded card with Chase, so you can manage it within the same portal as your other cards.
3. Co-Branded Airline Card
   Consider what airline is the best option from you home airline, and then find the right card associated with that airline. For us, cards like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® or Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® have gotten our family a lot of nearly-free flights. If you want to stick with Chase cards, the Southwest family of cards will be your best bet.
4. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
   This card earns 1.5X cashback on everything, making it an ideal tool for maximizing rewards in your Chase portfolio. It’s one of my go-to cards for earning Chase points on everyday purchases.
5. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
   This card offers amazing travel benefits, including a high sign-up bonus and 2X miles on every purchase. Apply early in your rewards travel journey, since Capital One can be sensitive to recent credit card inquiries.

Now, you’re at 5/24 and have a solid mix of cards to start earning in various ways. Keep in mind that once you hit 5/24, you won’t be able to open more Chase cards until one falls off your count after 24 months from the application date.

Card Strategy If You’re Already over 5/24 rule

If you find yourself over the 5/24 limit, don’t panic—there are still plenty of ways to earn rewards and build a valuable credit card portfolio without sacrificing your credit score or the rewards you’re after. Here’s how you can adjust your strategy and work with the 5/24 restriction.

1. Focus on Business Credit Cards

If you’re over 5/24, business credit cards are your bestie. And the good news is that business credit cards generally don’t count toward your 5/24 status. Chase, for example, has several great business credit cards like the Ink Business Unlimited® or Ink Business Preferred® that don’t count toward your 5/24 total. By opening business cards, you can bypass the 5/24 restriction and continue earning valuable points and rewards.

Pro Tip: If you don’t currently own a business, you can still qualify for these cards as a sole proprietor or freelancer. In many cases, a small side hustle or gig work qualifies you to apply for a business credit card. Learn more about applying for business cards here.

2. Apply for Cards from Other Banks

Chase’s 5/24 rule only applies to being approved for new cards from Chase. So, if you’re maxed out with Chase applications, just look elsewhere. Other banks, such as American Express, Capital One, and Citi, do not follow the 5/24 rule and are great alternatives for earning valuable points. Here’s how you can adjust your strategy:

• American Express: If you’re a fan of transferable points, consider the American Express® Gold Card for bonus categories like dining and groceries or the American Express® Platinum Card for premium travel rewards.
• Capital One: Cards like the Capital One Venture X Rewards card or Capital One Quicksilver offer competitive rewards rates without the 5/24 restriction, plus great benefits for travel or everyday purchases.
• Citi: The Citi Strata Premier® Card offers solid earning rates on travel, dining, and groceries.

Opening cards with these other banks can help you continue earning rewards even if you’re over 5/24.

3. Wait for Cards to Drop Off

Chase’s 5/24 rule is based on the last 24 months, so after two years, the cards you opened will no longer count toward your 5/24 limit. The key is to plan ahead and track which cards are dropping off. Using an app like CardPointers can help you stay on top of when your cards are no longer included in the count, and you’ll be free to apply for Chase cards again.

4. Maximize Existing Cards

While you wait for your 5/24 count to reset, it’s a great time to maximize the rewards on the cards you already have. Consider shifting spending to cards that offer category multipliers and utilize shopping portals and bonus offers. This strategy will help you earn points more efficiently while you’re waiting.

Bonus Tip: Don’t forget about referral bonuses that can boost your points balance, especially if you’re in two player mode.

5. Get Strategic About Future Applications

Once your 5/24 count resets, you’ll be able to apply for more Chase cards. Be strategic about when you open your new cards and make sure you’re not overwhelming your credit score with multiple new inquiries. Space out your applications by at least 90 days to keep your credit healthy and maximize your approval chances.

Final Thoughts: How to Make 5/24 Rule Work For You

Staying on top of your 5/24 status can help you unlock amazing rewards without having to worry about being denied by Chase. By planning ahead, you can maximize your points, secure valuable sign-up bonuses, and travel smarter. Managing your 5/24 count gives you the best shot at getting the most out of your credit cards.

The next time you’re thinking about opening a new credit card, remember to check your 5/24 count first—and put a strategy in place.

If you have any questions or need further advice feel free to email me or send me a message on Instagram. I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help you.

_{Please note that this article contains affiliate links, and I may earn a referral commission if you choose to apply through my links. As a small business, these earnings help me to continue to bring you content like this at no extra cost to you. Thank you!}

• 

  Advice | Europe | Family | Featured | How to | Hyatt | North America | Rewards Travel | United States | USA

  Why Hyatt Hotels Is the Best Brand for Family Rewards Travel

  ByMari October 21, 2026October 21, 2026

  When it comes to finding the perfect hotel for our family vacation, Hyatt consistently stands out. With an amazing rewards program, family-friendly accommodations, and unbeatable perks, Hyatt hotels makes it easier to travel with our family for way fewer points than other hotel brands (sorry, Marriott and Hilton!). When it comes to rewards travel, brand loyalty always pays off. Here’s why Hyatt has consistently been the best hotel brand choice for our family, for redeeming points at the best value, earn rewards, and stretching our travel budget.

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  Abroad | Advice | Capital One | Chase | Europe | Family | Featured | How to | Italy | Rewards Travel

  How We Booked Europe on Points and Miles for a Family of 11

  ByMari October 19, 2026October 19, 2026

  How we booked Europe on points and miles for a family of 11: our card strategy, Virgin Atlantic award flights, and how we erased our lodging and cruise.

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  Abroad | Advice | Best Moments | Career | England | Europe | Family | Featured

  22 Best Things to Do in London With Kids

  ByMari October 4, 2026October 6, 2026

  London is easier with kids than most people expect. The biggest museums are free, children ride the buses and the Underground for nothing, and there’s a park every few blocks for the moment when everyone needs to stop walking.

  London is big, and the difference between a good day and an exhausting one is usually how much time you spent getting between places instead of being in them. The key to an enjoyable trip is grouping your time by location to avoid hopping around too much in one day.

  If you’re trying to figure out the best things to do in London with your family, this is my list of 22, with the family tips and logistics that make each one go more smoothly.

The post What Is the 5/24 Rule? Learn How to Work with It & Maximize Your Rewards appeared first on Mari on the Map.

_{This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers.}

The Capital One Venture Rewards Card is a top-tier travel rewards card that makes earning and redeeming miles incredibly simple for families. Whether you’re planning a road trip with the kids, flying to visit relatives, or booking a spacious Airbnb for a family vacation, this card offers generous rewards, flexible redemption options, and valuable perks to help you maximize rewards for every trip.

Capital One Venture Rewards Card Overview

The Capital One Venture Rewards Card is a flat-rate travel rewards credit card offering 2X miles per dollar on all purchases. With its simple redemption process and solid travel perks, it’s an excellent choice for families who want an easy way to earn and use travel rewards without tracking bonus categories.

Benefits Tailored to Families

• Flat 2X Miles on Everything – Earn rewards on every purchase, from groceries to theme park tickets, without tracking categories.
• Flexible Redemption Options – Redeem miles for travel purchases, book through Capital One Travel, or transfer to airline and hotel partners.
• Erase Airbnb, VRBO, and Rental Car Expenses – Unlike some travel cards that only reward traditional hotel stays, Venture miles can be used to cover alternative accommodations perfect for big families.
• Up to a $100 Credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry – This credit covers the cost of Global Entry for one parent, and kids under 18 can now be added for free when applying with an approved parent. This means you only need to pay for your own Global Entry, and one of your children can get it at no additional cost—making customs lines much easier for families traveling internationally.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees – Use this card to pay for expenses when you travel internationally without extra charges (cards with foreign transaction fees usually charge 3%).
• Travel Protections & Rental Car Coverage – Added security for your family’s trips, whether you’re renting a van for a national park road trip or taking a quick weekend getaway.

What Are Venture Miles?

Venture miles are Capital One’s flexible travel rewards currency. They can be redeemed in three main ways:

1. Purchase Eraser – Pay for travel and use miles to erase the cost, including Airbnb, VRBO, campgrounds, and other family-friendly stays.
2. Book Through Capital One Travel – Use miles to book flights, hotels, and rental cars directly.
3. Transfer to Travel Partners – Move miles to airline and hotel loyalty programs for potential high-value redemptions.

Making the Most of Venture Miles for Family Travel

Venture miles are fixed-value travel rewards, meaning they can be used to offset travel expenses or transferred to partners for potentially greater value.

Examples in Action

• 50,000 miles = $500 toward travel purchases when using the Purchase Eraser, perfect for offsetting the cost of a family Airbnb stay.
• 50,000 miles transferred to a partner airline could cover a one-way business class flight to Europe, which can be worth more than $2,000.

Point-to-Dollar Ratio

When redeemed through the Purchase Eraser, Venture miles are worth 1 cent per mile (e.g., 10,000 miles = $100). However, transfers to airline partners can sometimes yield higher redemption values.

Capital One Venture Rewards Card Built-In Travel Protection

The Capital One Venture Rewards Card includes benefits such as:

• Rental Car Collision Damage Waiver – Essential when renting minivans or SUVs for family road trips.
• Travel Accident Insurance – Provides extra peace of mind.
• 24/7 Travel Assistance Services – Get help if your plans hit a snag while traveling with the whole crew.

Does the Capital One Venture Rewards Card Have Foreign Transaction Fees?

No! You can use the Venture Rewards card anywhere in the world without worrying about foreign transaction fees—perfect for family trips abroad.

Eligibility

Capital One typically looks for good to excellent credit (700+ score) for approval. If you have multiple recent credit inquiries, approval may be more challenging. It’s always best to wit at least 90 days from your last credit card application.

Why the Capital One Venture Rewards Card Shines for Family Travel?

• Flat-rate earning makes budgeting easy – No need to stress over maximizing categories while juggling busy family life.
• No restrictions on travel redemptions – Use miles for flights, hotels, Airbnb stays, rental cars, and more.
• Strong travel protections without a premium card price – Great benefits without the hefty annual fee of luxury cards—this card’s annual fee is currently $95.

Exploring the Capital One Travel Portal: A Convenient Way to Book Travel for Families

When it comes to booking travel, convenience and value are key—especially for families. The Capital One Travel Portal offers both, making it a fantastic option for those looking to simplify their travel planning process while maximizing their rewards. Whether you’re booking a family vacation, a quick weekend getaway, or a business trip, the Capital One Travel Portal makes the experience easy and beneficial for families.

How the Capital One Travel Portal Works

The Capital One Travel Portal is an online booking tool that allows you to redeem your Capital One miles for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. Essentially, it’s your one-stop shop for booking all your travel needs, with the added perk of using your accumulated miles for payment.

To get started, simply log into your Capital One account. From there, you can search for flights, hotels, and car rentals just like you would on other travel booking sites. The big difference is that you can use your Capital One miles to cover the cost, reducing the out-of-pocket expenses for your family vacation.

Benefits of Using the Capital One Travel Portal

1. Flexibility in Redemption
   The Capital One Travel Portal gives you flexibility in how you redeem your miles. You can use your miles to book travel directly, or even cover part of the cost and pay the rest in cash. The portal also provides access to flights, hotels, and car rentals from a wide range of partners, which means you have plenty of options to fit your family’s needs.
2. Value for Your Miles
   Capital One miles are typically worth 1 cent per mile when redeemed for travel. However, if you book through the Travel Portal, you often get great value out of your miles, especially when taking advantage of promotions or special offers.
3. Convenience and Time-Saving
   Gone are the days of bouncing between multiple websites to find the best deal. With Capital One’s Travel Portal, everything is in one place. This means less time spent hunting for the best prices and more time focusing on your vacation plans. Plus, if you book a flight, hotel, and car rental all in one go, you can streamline the process, which means less planning.
4. No Blackout Dates
   One of the standout benefits of using the Capital One Travel Portal is the lack of blackout dates. Unlike some other travel rewards programs, you don’t have to worry about restrictions on when you can use your miles, which gives you the flexibility to plan your family vacations without stress.

Benefits for Families

Traveling with kids means there’s a lot to coordinate, but the Capital One Travel Portal makes family trips easier in several ways:

1. Wide Range of Family-Friendly Options
   Whether you’re looking for a hotel with family suites, a rental car that fits everyone comfortably, or flights that offer good seating arrangements for children, the Travel Portal gives you access to a variety of family-friendly travel options. Many hotels and resorts listed in the portal offer family-oriented amenities such as free breakfast, kids’ activities, and spacious rooms.
2. Using Miles to Save on Family Travel Costs
   Family vacations can be pricey, and using your Capital One miles to cover travel expenses can make a huge difference in your budget. Families can save on flights, accommodations, and even rental cars, giving them more room to splurge on fun activities or experiences during the trip.
3. Customizable Travel Packages
   Capital One Travel allows you to book custom travel packages, which can be incredibly useful for families. Whether it’s a Disney vacation, a trip to a beach resort, or an adventure in a new city, you can tailor your booking to your family’s needs, combining flights, hotels, and car rentals in one simple transaction.
4. Family Pooling
   If you have multiple family members accumulating miles, Capital One allows you to pool miles, which makes it easier to reach the number of miles you need for a family trip. This means no one gets left behind when it comes to redeeming miles, and your family can enjoy more savings on your next getaway. Learn more about earning points with your spouse, partner, or other family members in this post.

Extra Perks You’ll Love

1. 24/7 Travel Assistance
   One of the most valuable benefits of booking through the Capital One Travel Portal is 24/7 travel assistance. This service provides families with access to help when you need it, whether you’re dealing with flight delays, changes in plans, or need help finding a last-minute hotel.
2. Access to Special Offers
   Capital One frequently partners with various airlines, hotels, and car rental services to offer exclusive deals and discounts to cardholders. These offers can often be combined with your miles to provide even greater savings, making it easier for families to travel more often without breaking the bank.

Capital One Transfer Partners

Capital One has established partnerships with over 15 airline and hotel loyalty programs, enabling you to transfer your Capital One Miles for a wide range of travel rewards. Here’s a comprehensive list of these transfer partners:

Airline Partners

• Aeromexico Club Premier
  • Aeromexico offers a robust network in Latin America, ideal for family vacations to warm destinations like Mexico, with options for family-focused services and amenities.
• Air Canada Aeroplan
  • Air Canada offers a family pooling option, where members can combine miles, making it easier to redeem for family trips, especially for those heading to Canada or nearby destinations.
• Air France/KLM Flying Blue
  • Flying Blue offers a large European network with family-friendly policies, such as flexible booking options for children and easy access to family destinations across Europe.
• Avianca LifeMiles
  • Avianca’s miles can be used on flights to South America, and their redemption options are flexible, making it a great choice for family trips to destinations like Colombia or Peru.
• British Airways Executive Club
  • British Airways allows families to pool miles, which can make it easier to book family flights to Europe. They also have family-friendly amenities like priority boarding for families with children.
• Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
  • With a focus on long-haul travel to Asia, Cathay Pacific offers a great option for families traveling to destinations like Hong Kong, Japan, or Southeast Asia, with good service for young travelers.
• Emirates Skywards
  • Emirates is known for its excellent family services, including kids’ entertainment options and family discounts, making it a great choice for long-haul family trips.
• Etihad Guest
  • Etihad offers a variety of family-friendly services, including priority boarding, family seating, and flexible policies, ideal for families flying to the Middle East or beyond.
• EVA Air Infinity MileageLands
  • EVA Air offers fantastic service for families, including dedicated family check-in lines and excellent in-flight entertainment, especially on flights to Asia.
• Finnair Plus
  • With routes to Northern Europe, Finnair offers family-friendly amenities, including family seating and a generous baggage policy for families traveling with children.
• Qantas Frequent Flyer
  • Qantas offers a range of family-friendly services, including free bassinets and priority boarding for families, making it a top choice for families traveling to Australia.
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
  • Known for excellent customer service, Singapore Airlines offers comfortable family-friendly flights with amenities like bassinets, priority boarding, and children’s meals.
• TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go
  • TAP has a strong European network with affordable fares to destinations like Lisbon. They offer family-friendly options such as flexible bookings and the ability to transfer miles within the family.
• Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
  • Turkish Airlines provides excellent service for families, with priority boarding, generous baggage allowances, and family seating available on flights to destinations like Istanbul.
• Virgin Red
  • Virgin’s family-friendly policies include flexible ticketing and family discounts, making it a good choice for families traveling to the UK or the Caribbean.

Hotel Partners

• Accor Live Limitless (ALL)
  • Accor’s extensive hotel network includes family-friendly brands like Novotel, which provides spacious family rooms and fun kids’ activities, making it a great choice for family vacations.
• Choice Privileges
  • Choice Hotels offers affordable and family-friendly properties across the U.S. and internationally, with spacious rooms and locations close to family attractions.
• Wyndham Rewards
  • Wyndham provides many budget-friendly hotels that offer large rooms and family-oriented amenities, ideal for families seeking comfort during road trips or vacations.

Most of these partners offer a 1:1 transfer ratio, meaning each Capital One Mile converts to one mile or point in the partner’s program. However, some partners have different transfer ratios. For example, ALL Accor Live Limitless transfers at a 2:1 ratio, and EVA Air Infinity MileageLands transfers at a 2:1.5 ratio.

To initiate a transfer, log into your Capital One account online or via the mobile app, navigate to your rewards, and select the transfer option. Remember, once miles are transferred, they cannot be converted back to Capital One Miles.

For more detailed information on each transfer partner, including transfer ratios and processing times, you can refer to Capital One’s transfer partner guide.

Transferring miles to these partners can sometimes yield higher redemption values, especially when booking spacious accommodations or award flights for multiple family members.

Earning More Points and Combining

You can boost your Venture miles by using additional Capital One travel cards and business cards in the same rewards ecosystem. Business cards can be a great option and are actually possible to apply for and be approved, even if you’re not a traditional business owners. Learn more about that here.

Eligible Capital One Cards for Combining Points

If you have multiple Capital One rewards cards, you can combine miles for even bigger redemptions.

How to Combine Points

Step 1: Log in to your Capital One account. Scroll down to the Explore rewards and benefits section, and click “view rewards.”

Step 2: In the Rewards portal, scroll down and click on “combine rewards”.

Step 3: Select the account you want to move points from and select the account you want to move points to. Click “confirm”.

Final Thoughts

The Capital One Venture Rewards Card is one of the most flexible and family-friendly travel rewards cards. Whether you’re booking flights, hotels, rental cars, or a spacious Airbnb, Venture miles make it easy to save on travel. If you value simplicity, ease of earning, and flexible redemptions, this card is a great addition to your wallet.

Thinking about getting the Capital One Venture Rewards Card? Click here to learn more and see if it’s the right fit for your family’s travel style!

Feel free to email me or send a message on Instagram if you need further advice—I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help you travel.

_{Please note that this article contains affiliate links, and I may earn a referral commission if you choose to apply through my links. As a small business, these earnings help me to continue to bring you content like this at no extra cost to you. Thank you!}

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  Advice | Europe | Family | Featured | How to | Hyatt | North America | Rewards Travel | United States | USA

  Why Hyatt Hotels Is the Best Brand for Family Rewards Travel

  ByMari October 21, 2026October 21, 2026

  When it comes to finding the perfect hotel for our family vacation, Hyatt consistently stands out. With an amazing rewards program, family-friendly accommodations, and unbeatable perks, Hyatt hotels makes it easier to travel with our family for way fewer points than other hotel brands (sorry, Marriott and Hilton!). When it comes to rewards travel, brand loyalty always pays off. Here’s why Hyatt has consistently been the best hotel brand choice for our family, for redeeming points at the best value, earn rewards, and stretching our travel budget.

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  Family | Featured | North America | Rewards Travel | Southwest | United States

  Southwest Companion Pass Guide (2027): New Rules & Strategies

  ByMari October 21, 2026October 21, 2026

  The Southwest Companion Pass has long been one of my favorite ways to save money on family travel. With this popular benefit, you can bring a designated companion on your Southwest flights for just the taxes and fees, starting at $5.60 each way on domestic flights. For families, that can add up to some serious savings!

  BIG UPDATE FOR 2027: Southwest just announced major changes to how travelers earn the Companion Pass, including eliminating credit card welcome offers as a way to qualify under the new rules. But there’s still a limited opportunity to use the current strategy before the changes take effect!

  Fun fact: we used our Southwest Companion passes to get us to and from Hawaii, along with plenty of other destinations. In this updated guide, I’ll walk you through what’s changing, how to earn the pass under the current and new rules, and whether it’s still worth pursuing for your family.

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  Abroad | Advice | Capital One | Chase | Europe | Family | Featured | How to | Italy | Rewards Travel

  How We Booked Europe on Points and Miles for a Family of 11

  ByMari October 19, 2026October 19, 2026

  How we booked Europe on points and miles for a family of 11: our card strategy, Virgin Atlantic award flights, and how we erased our lodging and cruise.

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